In November, the Clark County Board of Health voted to ban smoking in "all enclosed public places within Clark County," including businesses, restaurants, bars, galleries, libraries and museums.
"It's just a great feeling of relief that we have been able to see the successful passage of this smoke-free regulation for the community because it's going to have such a positive impact on the overall health of the community," said Scott Lockard, director of public health for Clark County. "We are very excited to see the culmination of three years of work."
The ban will go into effect Jan. 12.
Enforcement of the regulation will be up to the Health Department. Clark County is now one of four Kentucky communities where public smoking has been banned - not by city or county governments, but by local health department regulation.
Community members raised questions about the Board of Health's authority to enact the ban, and the opposition of Judge-Executive Henry Branham and Magistrate Pam Blackburn, both of whom voted against it. Some also worried the ban could hurt business, and resented that they would have to enforce it with their employees and customers.
