City to consider smoking ordinance

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Nov. 19, 2002
Meridian City Councilmen are expected to consider an ordinance today that would ban smoking in city buildings and vehicles.
The Partnership for a Healthy Lauderdale County requested the ordinance, which would put into law the city's no-smoking policy and fine people $100 for a second offense and $200 for third and subsequent offenses.
Sabrina Wilson, project director for the Partnership for a Healthy Lauderdale County, said the ordinance is needed because the city has no way to enforce its current no-smoking policy.
The Partnership for a Healthy Lauderdale County is affiliated with the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi a nonprofit organization committed to reducing the use of tobacco.
Ward 1 Councilman George Thomas said he likes the idea of the ordinance, but has a problem with how to enforce it.
Henson agreed.
Wilson said the ordinance would create a safer working environment for the city.