Pender County Board of Health looks to put a ban on smoking

Folks in Pender County could soon be breathing a little easier if the Board of Health gets its way. The board has asked the county commission to consider a smoking ban on all county-owned property.

Already smoking is not allowed in county offices and within 50 feet of the health department and Department of Social Services. County health director Jack Griffith said it is part of a state-wide push to get people to quit smoking.

“It’s a bad habit frankly that causes lots of diseases, and I’m an epidemiologist, and I can tell you that you don’t want to smoke if you can help it,” said Griffith

The proposed ban would include everything from county parks to county-owned vehicles.

Griffith said the county attorney and manager are working with the Board of Health to come up with a plan he thinks would have a fair chance to pass the county commission.