Speak Out: Will Norcross' Tobacco Ban Do More Harm Than Good?

Updated, 9:15 a.m.

After the news of passing at Monday's city council meeting, the city seems to have varying opinions on whether it's good for Norcross or not.

The ordinance states that the use of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, are to be banned from all city property: city parks, city buildings, city parking lots and sidewalks.

The ban will go into effect July 1, and fines start at $50 and will increase up to $800 depending on how often someone is cited for tobacco use.

Ross Kaul, the councilman who spearheaded the ban, has explained multiple times that the reason behind the ordinance is to improve the quality of life by eliminating secondhand smoke for all, especially the children and elderly.

While it may be physically better for the lungs in Norcross, many business owners believe the restrictions are too much and it's going to ultimately hurt their stores.

Do you think the tobacco free ordinance would discourage people from coming to Norcross? Tell us in the comments.

Edna Berkshire, owner of , thinks the ban will scare visitors away from downtown because they can't take a smoke break while shopping.

"'You can't come to Norcross if you want to smoke.' That's what we're telling them," she said.

Berkshire, who's not a smoker, added that the upcoming summer concert series, which kicks off Memorial Day this month, may lose its attendees to Suwanee's series, too.

Owner Randy Hamilton of agrees with Berkshire, and owner Keith Shewbert has been an strong opponent of the ban since its first mention at a .

But Kaul, who was a smoker for 25 years, reasoned that more people will come because they know the city is tobacco free, and it's only a matter of time before the community accepts it.

And then there are the delicious dining establishments to consider, the ones that many outsiders come to Norcross for. Restaurants such as Paizano's and Dominick's have no outdoor seating, so many of its smoking customers won't be able to take a quick break unless its in their cars, on the curb or directly in the street.

Locals have mixed views on the ban, too. waitress Carina Moavek and resident Sophia Zohbe regularly smoke while sitting on South Peachtree Street, and Moavek said she may keep smoking there even after its enforced.

Opinions from community members on social media and Patch articles have voiced in support of the ban, though.

"Awesome! No more choking at the park while the kids play!" wrote Maggie Moore in a Facebook post.

"I bring young kids to the parks; why should we have to breathe in stinking smokey air just because someone can't go without a cigarette for a few hours?" commented Cheryl Rankin .

Now it's time for your opinion.

In this week's Speak Out, we want to know if you agree or disagree with the ordinance, and if you think it would scare people away from downtown Norcross.

Are you completely against banning tobacco on all city property, or would you change just few parts of it, such as the sidewalks ban?

Tell us in the comments.