Published: March 17, 2007 05:23 pm      

Aberdeen smoking ban goes into effect April 15

ABERDEEN, Miss. — The city of Aberdeen’s smoking ban in public buildings will take effect April 15.

The ordinance bans smoking in “all public places” in Aberdeen, including “bars, bingos, childcare facilities, all city buildings, hotels, indoor shopping malls, restaurants and polling places,” said Aberdeen City Clerk Jackie Benson.

Benson said smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of building entrances.

The ban was approved by aldermen Feb. 20, with Mayor Cecil Belle casting a tie-breaking vote.

“We’ve had some people who are not happy about it, because they feel it’s their business and they shouldn’t have the aldermen tell them (what to do). But some restaurant owners are happy about it. One put up a nonsmoking sign when they approved it, getting ahead of the game,” Benson said.

Violators face fines, not to exceed $50 for the first offense and a maximum of $250 for the second offense, Benson said.