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Commissioners debate smoking ban at courthouse

By Josh Ault  bio|e-mail

TUSCUMBIA, AL (WAFF) - In the Shoals, going smoke-free is the new trend. 

Recently, the city of Florence started a smoking ban for restaurants and parks.

Now, the outside of a county building might go smoke-free, too.

Finding a place to light up a cigarette is becoming harder and harder in the Shoals.  The next place that might go smoke-free is the outside of the Colbert County Courthouse.

A few weeks ago, the 200 employees there got to vote to see if they would support a ban.

"I do find (smoking) offensive," said Lynn South, Colbert County Chief Accounting Clerk, "I personally had to vote yes to ban the smoking."

South was not alone. More people voted to ban smoking, so the item came before the county commission.

Right now the issue is in discussion and has not been voted on. Commissioners are debating to make it policy for smokers to be at least 50 feet from the courthouse to smoke.

"I think it is a very wonderful idea," said Jimmy Cameron, who was at the courthouse paying property taxes, "I'm allergic to smoke myself."

"They are paying taxes on them," said Glenda Thomas, who volunteers at the information desk at the courthouse, "I think they have a right to smoke."

The issue came up after some employees started complaining about cigarette smoke coming in the doors.

"The smell is overwhelming," said South, "Especially being a non-smoker. It's very offensive."

While other's have not had a problem.

"I don't have any problems with it," added Thomas.

So on this divided issue it will be up to the Colbert County Commissioners to make the final call.

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