Seneca County urges total smoking ban – FingerLakes1.com Archive

In an article by the Finger Lakes Times, it was noted that Seneca County possesses one of the highest adult smoking rates in the state. Statistics show that 24 percent of Seneca County adults smoke, compared to 15.5 percent statewide. Public Health Director Vicki Swinehart and the county Board of Health have proposed a local law to ban smoking on any county-owned or leasedproperty,inside and outside. Swinehart said that second hand smoke is a major concern and the effects on people are well documented.She also said that if they are successful in their efforts, hopefully the initiative will spread to towns and villages in the form of similar local laws. Public Health Committee chairman Keith Kubasik said that the county would offer quit smoking therapy and smoking-cessation programs. He also advised board members to send questions about the proposed smoking ban to Swinehart in the next month, saying the issue will be discussed further and potentially acted upon at the Aug. 9 meeting.