Local control for smoking restriction issues to continue this session

Publication Date: 2012-01-04

• Author:eCapitol
• Publication:OETA

Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Ardmore, has introduced a bill that would allow cities and towns to enact tobacco-related ordinances more stringent than state law.

SB 1032 removes language prohibiting cities and towns from enacting tobacco-related ordinances that are more stringent than state law. It states that any ordinance, rule or regulation cannot be less stringent than the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act. It also states that nothing in the Smoking in Public Places and Indoor Workplaces Act prohibits or preempts governmental subdivisions from adopting and enforcing more stringent local ordinances to protect individuals from secondhand smoke.

“I’m really uncomfortable that the right for local control when it comes to tobacco has been taken away by the state government,” Simpson said. “I know this is going to be a very contentious issue. I know the tobacco industry will be opposed to the bill, but I feel the health of our citizens, especially our children, should take precedence over the interests of the tobacco industry.”  Go to www.ecapitol.net for the full story!