Just Breathe: Satsuma City Council enacts new no smoking ordinance July 2



Members of the Friends of Satsuma Schools look on as Satsuma's Mayor signs
the new smoke free ordinance on Tuesday, July 2.



Satsuma, Alabama – The Satsuma City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday night, July 2,  banning smoking in public and work places – including restaurants, bars, ballparks and playgrounds -- that is set to take effect 30 days from the passage of the new law.

With the passage of Tuesday’s ordinance, Satsuma joined Creola, Saraland, Citronelle and Bayou La Batre in creating comprehensive local smoking ordinances which prohibit smoking in all public and work places.

The City of Satsuma has included a copy of the new ordinance on its website that outlines fines that will be levied against those who smoke where it’s prohibited. Those who want to smoke outdoors in public places must stand at least 15 feet from entrances to businesses or workplaces, including outdoor bleachers and playground equipment at parks and other recreation facilities, according to the ordinance.

Also included in the ordinance is language regarding the operation of hotels and motels with a provision that states no such business shall have more than 20 percent of its rooms designated as smoking. Located in north Mobile County, Satsuma is home to about 6,200 residents, according to U.S. census population estimates.

No one spoke out against the ordinance during Tuesday night’s council meeting in Satsuma. The measure was first introduced during a public meeting on June 18, officials said.

“I’m more than pleased that Satsuma’s leaders are making the health and safety of their residents a top priority,” said Dr. Bernard Eichold, Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department. “We know second hand smoke contains a deadly mix of chemicals. Satsuma officials should be congratulated for their proactive approach.”