FULL SMOKING BAN TO TAKE EFFECT JUNE 1 IN HOWARD COUNTY
Smokers in Howard County have about three weeks until their habit
is against the law in all bars and restaurants.
We intend to strictly enforce this, said Howard County
Health Officer Peter Beilenson, adding he does'nt expect a
huge problem from business owners and patrons.
The Health Department will take the lead on enforcing the law,
which takes full effect June 1, sending out inspectors to
establishments that are the subject of complaints.
If a patron refuses a business owner's request to stop
smoking, the police will be called, Beilenson said.
We're really looking for voluntary compliance, Police
Chief William McMahon said. It's not in my interest to have
police out arresting people.
Chander Tschand, owner of MiCasa Mexican Restaurant in Ellicott
City, welcomed the ban, which he said would make it even easier
for him to enforce a two-year smoking ban in his restaurant.
