Skagit County mulls restriction of smoking and vaping in public places

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit County Public Health is considering an ordinance to restrict smoking and vaping in public places.

The proposed ordinance would restrict smoking and vaping in indoor public places, indoor places of employment, and outdoor public places where children congregate.

“Smoking and vape-free policies are one of the most effective tools for protecting the health of a community,” Jennifer Johnson, Skagit County Public Health Director, said in a news release.

“Not only do they protect non-smokers and non-vapers from secondhand exposure, such policies can also be effective in reducing access and use by youth.”

Skagit County has not formally adopted the WA State Smoking in Public Places Law in statewide effect since 2005.

The county has also not taken actions to restrict vaping in public in public places allowed under the WA State Vapor Products law.

The Board of Health is seeking public comment on the proposed ordinance and is holding a hearing on Tuesday, April 9, at 2 p.m. at the County Adminitstration building in Mount Vernon.

Written comments can be submitted here, by email to julied@co.skagit.wa.us or by sending mail to 700 South Second Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1071.

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