UPDATE: Leonardtown, MD – All St. Mary’s County-owned, and leased buildings, properties, and vehicles will adopt a tobacco-free policy effective January 1, 2020. This policy includes smoking, vaping and any and all other nicotine products.
A two-phase tobacco-free resolution adopted by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County banned the use of tobacco products at parks and museums in September and encompasses county-owned or leased buildings and properties beginning January 1st.
Additional details and resources regarding the tobacco-free policy, including a link to free smoking cessation classes offered through the St. Mary’s County Health Department, are available online: https://www.stmarysmd.com/tobaccofree/
Leonardtown, MD- Beginning on September 1, 2019, all St. Mary’s County Parks and Museums will adopt a tobacco-free policy. This does not apply to Wicomico Golf Shores.
The policy set to go into effect will include cigarettes, vaping, cigars, and all nicotine products. The is a two-phase process adopted by the Commissioners will also have the next phase implemented on January 1, 2020. That phase will extend the tobacco-free policy to all county-owned buildings and properties.
Last year, the St. Mary’s County Fair had a Smoke-free Kids Day, and also no smoking in several other areas throughout the fair. More and more areas are becoming smoke-free. Starbucks and Target, among many other retail and restaurants, have implemented smoke-free zones ranging from 15′-25′ in front of the location.
Last February, Maryland celebrate 10 years of the Clean Indoor Air Act. which made nearly all workplaces, and public spaces, including bars and restaurants smoke-free.
“Maryland children age 10 and under are our first smoke-free generation,” proclaimed Dr. Howard Haft, deputy secretary for Public Health Services. “They have never visited a Maryland restaurant, public facility, or workplace where smoking is allowed. The Department is committed to continuing its efforts to further reduce, prevent, and protect Marylanders from the harmful effects of tobacco use.”
The county also offers smoking cessation classes through the County Health Department. You can find more info on the at this link: Smoking Cessation