City to Join Great American Smokeout
Need a date to stop smoking? How about Nov. 19?
Rockville will take part in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19 with a Mayor and Council proclamation to mark the day, and encourage smokers and vapers to drop the habit and take their first step to becoming healthier.
Rockville has been a leader in enacting regulations to curb smoking and vaping.
In March 2016, the city expanded its smoke-free area rules to include all city property, city facilities and city parks.
Under an ordinance, passed in May 2017, owners, managers or employees of restaurants and bars cannot knowingly allow smoking or vaping on patios, decks, porches or at other outdoor serving areas, and food service facilities are required to post conspicuous signs announcing the vaping/smoking prohibition.
Enforcement of the smoking and vaping ban in the city is conducted by the Rockville City Police Department.
Montgomery County also bans smoking in the common areas of multifamily housing — so, no smoking in hallways, lobbies or laundries, etc. The prohibition is enforced by the property’s managers. The Montgomery County Council this year also adopted several pieces of legislation and associated regulations to restrict the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes to minors.
“While there is so much that is out of our control in this unprecedented moment, we can make individual decisions to improve our lives and the lives of those around us,” Councilmember — and medical doctor — David Myles said. “In addition to wearing a facial covering, stopping smoking has been shown to improve one’s health and the health of those around you. Be a good neighbor and be good to yourself.”
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. About 32.4 million American adults still smoke cigarettes. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease, such as heart and lung disease, which may increase risk for serious complications from COVID-19.
Find out more about the Great American Smokeout, and tools and resources to quit smoking and vaping, at www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html.