ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsSmoking Ordinance in Birmingham

      The City of Birmingham's Public Safety Committee will consider a tougher law aimed at protecting citizens from dangerous second hand smoke.  The City passed a smoking ban in 2005 that prohibits smoking in restaurants, the new law would include other issues.

We asked questions of Ashley Lyerly with the American Lung Association about the proposed revised ordinance.

The following is an interview with Lyerly.

 Why is there a need for a tougher ordinance?

Secondhand smoke is a serious public health problem and even the briefest exposure is harmful. Secondhand smoke exposure causes lung cancer and heart disease, respiratory infections and severe asthma in children.

· Who is at risk?

Everyone - black and white, young and old, patron and staff, conservative and liberal - deserves the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air, no exceptions. It is not right to decide who will be exposed to deadly tobacco smoke and who will not; we must protect everyone across the board. We hope the right to breathe smoke-free air will be adopted in Birmingham in the coming weeks.

· What does this ordinance do?

Prohibits smoking in bars, lounges and outdoor patio areas of restaurants. Prohibits smoking within 30 feet of entrances, outdoor seating and serving areas. Limits the number of smoking rooms available at hotels and motels.

· Obviously, many smokers will object. Who support this? A July 2011 public opinion poll showed that 76% of Jefferson County voters support a comprehensive smoke-free policy that includes all workplaces and public places, including restaurants and bars. Support for comprehensive policy is broad and deep; it spans across party lines and various demographic groups.

· What happens next?

A public hearing at public safety committee meeting at 2:00pm at City Hall. If it passes there, it will go to a vote of the full council.