(A) Findings. The town seeks to protect the health and well-being of its employees and the general public. Secondhand smoke has been proven to cause cancer, heart disease and asthma attacks in both smokers and non-smokers. In 2006, a report issued by the United States Surgeon General concluded that, based upon the scientific evidence, there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition, there is scientific consensus that e-cigarettes pose substantial risks to both users and other persons exposed to secondhand vapor and to e-cigarette products, including but not limited to risks associated with exposure to airborne particulates and toxins, exposure to toxic e-liquids, and explosion of e-cigarettes. Further, the 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on E-Cigarette Use on Youth and Young Adults has stated that e-cigarettes use has become a public health concern and has recommended that e-cigarettes be included in smoke-free policies.
(B) Intent. The town seeks to protect the health and well-being of children by banning, to the extent possible, smoking in their presence. It is further the intent of the town to protect the health of all individuals in public places, places of employment and working in or visiting town buildings from the risks related to secondhand smoke and vaping. It is further the intent of the town to protect the health of individuals driving or riding in town-controlled passenger vehicles assigned permanently or temporarily to town employees for official town business.
(C) Authority. This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority provided in G.S §§ 130A-491 et seq. and § 160A-174(a).
(Prior Code, § 97.01) (Ord. passed 12-17-2009; Ord. passed 12-16-2019; Ord. passed 12-15-2020)