Legislators in Mississippi sent a bill to Governor Haley Barbour that he signed into law prohibiting smoking at youth sporting events throughout the state.
The law will prohibit smoking within 100 feet of a facility where people under age 18 are participating in athletic events. It also would prohibit smoking at any indoor youth sporting events.
The bill spells out penalties for those who violate the new law, which takes effect July 1.
The first offense will result in a warning while a second violation would result in a $75 fine. Fines for ensuing violations are not to exceed $150.
Groups in charge of the sports venue could post no-smoking signs and could take action to remove those who violate the smoking ban.
The bill does allow a designated smoking area “separate from the fields of activity” to be established.
The bill says, “It is the responsibility of all law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies of this state to ensure that the provisions … are enforced.”
Roy Hart, director of the Office of Tobacco Control at the Mississippi State Department of Health, said the legislation is “a step in the right direction.”
“However, a comprehensive tobacco-free policy that includes spit tobacco would be even more effective,” Hart said.
Senate Public Health Committee Chair Hob Bryan, the primary author of the legislation, agrees.
Bryan said not enough legislators would back the legislation with provisions that cover chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products.
“I continue to be disturbed about the increased use of chewing tobacco and other tobacco products,” Bryan said. “I think that is where tobacco companies are really marketing to young people now.
“I sure think we need a strong effort to dissuade the use of those other products.”
