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in courthouse
Ten years ago, the possibility of a smoking ban for the Columbus County courthouse might have raised a few hackles, but not any more.
Most residents fully expect smoking bans in public buildings in 2006. There’s undeniable evidence that smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and lung disease, and that second-hand smoke is harmful as well.
The county commissioners considered issuing a smoking ban for the courthouse Monday but decided against it for fear of making a negative statement about tobacco.
Compelling health issues aside, however, there’s another reason for banning smoking in the courthouse.
Leroy Sellers, who oversees maintenance of the historic building, says that people regularly toss cigarettes butts on the floor. Not only is this practice unseemly, it’s dangerous.
We imagine if the courthouse ever caught fire, it wouldn’t take long to burn. Considering that most of the people who work and attend trials at the courthouse are upstairs, the chances for a loss of life would be great.
Also, the destruction of records and data, should a catastrophic fire occur, would be immeasurable.
A ban on smoking at the courthouse is the only wise choice for public safety, even if it’s not politically popular among tobacco farmers.