Mejias Proposes 50-Foot Smoking Ban Near County Buildings and Facilities

Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa), in an effort to curb the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, proposed a law this week prohibiting smoking within 50 feet of any County building or facility. Violators of the law would be fined $100 for a first offense, and $250 for a second and any subsequent offense.

“Second-hand smoke has been proven to be as harmful to non-smokers as smoking itself, and it is important for people to know that they won’t be putting their own health at risk by simply walking into a government building,” Mejias said. “This legislation will improve the quality of life for our employees and those citizens that receive services from the County.”

Smoking is already banned inside all County buildings and facilities, but entranceways can often be cluttered by smokers. Those entering and leaving the building, as well as those in ground-floor rooms and offices, are often bombarded by clouds of second-hand smoke. By forcing smokers 50 feet from the building, this law would ensure a smoke-free environment both in, and around, the facility.

“No Smoking” signs would be placed at every entrance to County buildings or facilities, and enforcement would be handled by the Nassau County Department of Health, which will utilize reports prepared by the Office of Public Safety.

“Two summers ago, we passed Tobacco 19 which raised the smoking age in Nassau County to 19, and this law is just another step forward in limiting the harmful effects of cigarettes,” Mejias said. “This law is a breath of fresh air for those who work and frequent the buildings of the Nassau County government.”

In order to help County employees prepare for the new ordinance, Legislator Mejias held a “Quit Smoking Fair” on Tuesday, September 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The seminar featured the Nassau County Health Department’s Be Empowered Against Tobacco (BEAT) Quit Smoking Program, and information on smoking cessation methods such as laser treatment, acupuncture, and hypnosis.

The law was passed through the legislature’s Health and Social Services Committee and will go before the full legislature for a hearing on September 24.