Mecklenburg, North Carolina is set to vote on a proposed smoking ban that includes all government grounds, county parks, greenways and golf courses.
The county has invited members of the community to speak at a public hearing on September 2nd, before a proposed September 17th vote.
The plan is being pushed by Mecklenburg Country Health Director, Marcus Plescia.
County commissioners are unsure if they would support such a sweeping ban.
Mecklenburg County is home to 990,000 residents over 31.2 square miles and was founded in 1762.
UPDATE 10/15: After commissioners and the community weighed in, the county made some changes to the proposal.
“The draft rule and ordinance now include exclusions for all County-owned golf courses, as well as regional parks,” County Manager Dena Diorio told commissioners. “While regional parks are excluded there is a provision included in the ordinance that allows the Park and Recreation Director to make special events non-tobacco use events in Reedy Creek Park, Freedom Park and Matthews Sportsplex.”
The commissioners are scheduled to vote on October 21, 2014
UPDATE: 10/22: In an 8-to-1 vote, county commissioners passed the ordinance Tuesday night after a lengthy discussion
