Brunswick County Board of Commissioners ACTION AGENDA ITEM 2016

Action Item # VIII. - 1.

There have been public concerns about the use of tobacco products within Brunswick County Parks. As people enjoy the health benefits of smoke-free air indoors and smokeless tobacco products, it is only natural to want to enjoy those same benefits in outdoor areas, especially those where people gather for sporting events at the park that have high levels of exposure.

This has been an ongoing issue about which many citizens of Brunswick County have raised their concerns. In response to increased public demand and new scientific information on the health hazards in close-quarter outdoor areas, many communities with smoke-free indoor air laws have expanded, or are considering expanding, smoke-free protections to some outdoor public places.

Due to lack of public comment staff put together a Brunswick County survey regarding Park tobacco use. There were a total of 1638 residents who responded to the survey. Not only did staff put together a survey but staff also had public comment at the May 17, 2016 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting. There were 4 citizens wishing to be heard; they all agreed with banning tobacco use.

Staff is requesting direction on how to proceed with tobacco product use within Brunswick County Parks.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board recommends to ban cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and vaping throughout all Brunswick County Parks.

Vote of 3 – 1 for approval of the tobacco and electronic cigarette and vaping products usage ban throughout the park system. 

The Advisory Board also requested that the Board of Commissioners consider a similar usage ban for all county-owned property.