(A) The City Council finds that:
(1) The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that tobacco smoke is the major contributor of particulate indoor air pollution;
(2) Reliable studies have shown that breathing sidestream or secondhand smoke is a significant health hazard, in particular for elderly people, individuals with cardiovascular disease, and individuals with impaired respiratory function, including asthmatics and those with obstructive airway disease;
(3) Health hazards induced by breathing sidestream or secondhand smoke include heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infection, decreased exercise tolerance, decreased respiratory function, bronchoconstriction, and bronchospasm;
(4) Nonsmokers with allergies, respiratory diseases and those who suffer other ill effects of breathing sidestream or secondhand smoke may experience a loss of job productivity or may be forced to take periodic sick leave because of adverse reactions to same;
(5) The smoking of tobacco, or any other weed or plant, is a danger to health;
(6) The health care costs and lost productivity incurred by smoking-related disease and death represent a heavy and avoidable financial drain on our community; and
(7) The free distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products is aimed at encouraging people to begin smoking and using tobacco products and tempts those who quit smoking to begin smoking again.
(B) Purpose. The compelling purpose and intent of this chapter includes, but is not limited to, promoting the health, safety, and welfare of all people in the community against the health hazards and harmful effects of the use of addictive tobacco products.
('66 Code, § 6-8.01) (Ord. 869-C-S, passed 9-23-93)