Madison County Passes Smoking Ban

Board Attorney Katie Bryant Snell said the ordinance is typically “community enforced” and the county will receive benefits from passing the ordinance
such as access to health grants.

Board President Trey Baxter asked who was to enforce the ordinance, and Snell said technically it was the board’s office.

“However, it is community enforced,” she said. “I would be shocked if you really do have a real enforcement issue. It’s embraced by the community and
public places.”

All four municipalities in Madison County have passed smoking bans.

Supervisors later refined the ordinance to include no smoking 20 feet from outside entrances and operable windows as the conversation continued to
steer towards enforcement.

“If the sheriff doesn’t have the manpower to enforce it what do we do,” District 1 Supervisor Sheila Jones asked.

Sheriff Randy Tucker responded, “The enforcement is not gonna be a routine patrol looking for smokers. It’s more complaint-based.”

Jan Collins, executive director of the Madison County Business League & Foundation, said Madison County becomes the third county to pass such an
ordinance and it’s part of the overall strategic plan to create a healthy culture in the county.

According to the actual ordinance, any person who violates any provision may be subject to a fine of up to $50 for the first offense and $250 for second
and subsequent offenses.

“The Board of Supervisors may suspend or revoke any business license or permit issued by the County for three or more violations of this Ordinance
involving license premises within a twelve month period,” the ordinance reads.

Businesses will now all be required to place signs featuring the international no smoking signal at the primary entrance to buildings.

The only three classifications not affected by the smoking ordinance are hunting clubs, private residences (except when used as childcare, adult day
care or health care facilities), and private clubs.