DORAVILLE, Ga. — The city of Doraville updated their anti-smoking ordinance this week, listing specific locations where smoking is prohibited.
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According to the city, the new ordinance bans any kind of smoking within 20-feet of the entrance to most public places and residential common areas including apartments, condominiums, and townhomes. Doraville plans on giving a grace period, though they haven’t specified the length. Once the ordinance is fully in place, violators could be fined between $50 and $100.
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“You have a right to breathe clean air wherever you live. It’s not fair that if you are living in an apartment and want to sit out on your back patio, you’re forced to go inside your apartment if your neighbors start smoking cigars next door. It goes both ways," said Councilwoman Stephe Koontz, who sponsored the ordinance.
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“I’m pleased that Doraville has gone smoke free in most public places. This ordinance does not make smoking illegal in Doraville but does address the fact that smoking has real public health implications for even non-smokers. Over 80% of the population does not smoke and should not be forced to inhale toxic carcinogens just because they choose to walk outside their door," said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geirman.
“I want to reiterate – we are not outlawing smoking. People are still welcome to smoke in their homes and other designated areas, including inside their apartments. They just aren’t welcome to force their neighbors to inhale their smoke.”
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