Northern Kentucky health board supports statewide smoking ban

The main health board in Northern Kentucky, where local smoking bans have stirred much controversy. has endorsed the idea of a statewide ban on smoking in all places of employment.

"The 32-member board, which represents Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties, voted to support the ban at its Sept. 11 meeting after Dr. Lynne Saddler, director of the Northern Kentucky Health Department, presented evidence about the dangers of second-hand smoke," The Kentucky Enquirer reported.

The board also authorized the department to promote Smoke-Free Kentucky, the main group advocating smoking bans, and its work in Northern Kentucky.

Efforts to pass a statewide smoking ban have never come to a floor vote in the legislature, but "23 Kentucky communities have passed comprehensive smoke-free laws, covering 34 percent of Kentuckians," the Enquirer noted. "In Northern Kentucky, only Kenton County has a smoke-free law, and it contains exemptions for bars and restaurants." (Read more)