Flowood prepares to go smoke-free in work places

Flowood is about to join the list of about three dozen Mississippi cities that are smoke-free in public places.

Starting May 4, the Jackson suburb will ban smoking in all businesses and work places. Smoking will also be prohibited within 20 feet of business entrances in Flowood.

The Clarion-Ledger reports that Flowood aldermen adopted the no-smoking ordinance April 4, and it takes effect May 4.

Roy Hart, director of the state Department of Health’s Office of Tobacco Control, says the smoke-free air policy will protect employees and customers. He says there is no safe level of secondhand smoke.

A statewide anti-smoking bill died in the state Legislature during the recent session.