NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The county is asking for public comment as it moves forward with a proposed ban on the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes in a wide range of public and government spaces.
Related: New Hanover Health and Human Services Board considering bans on vaping, smoking in all public areas
The New Hanover County Health and Human Services Board will consider adopting a new rule that would “prohibit the use of tobacco and the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes)” in “county, town and city-owned buildings, vehicles and grounds, as well as in public places in New Hanover County, like restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and sidewalks.”
The proposed rule would be a local regulation under the provision of the Health and Human Services Board, and an addition to the already existing local tobacco ordinance and the NC Smoke-free Restaurants and Bars Law. As currently written, the rule would also regulate tobacco — including cigarettes and smokeless and chewing tobacco — and thus would require a resolution of support from the Board of Commissioners per state statute.
The county is asking for public comments and feedback by noon on Monday, December 16. Residents interested in weighing in on the issue can find the proposed rule and provide feedback online here. Physical copies of the proposed rule can also be found at the New Hanover County Department of Public Health located at 2029 South 17th St.
The Board will consider implementing the new rule during its next meeting on Tuesday, December 17 at 8 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Health and Human Services building located at 1650 Greenfield St. in Wilmington
For more information, visit Health.NHCgov.com.
