The Consolidated Health and Human Services Board voted unanimously recently to pursue an ordinance that would make all property and vehicles owned, leased or occupied by Stanly County (including all property grounds) to be tobacco free, according to Teri Bowers, Stanly County Health Department administrative assistant.

The ordinance would replace the current policy which calls for tobacco free county buildings and vehicles but allows tobacco use on the grounds as long as it is 50 feet away from an entrance.

The proposed ordinance will be crafted by Health and Human Services Director David Jenkins and county management before being approved as a recommendation by the Health and Human Services Board to the county commissioners.

The ordinance does not automatically include municipalities but they would be able to opt in if they choose.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure are leading preventable causes of illness and premature death in North Carolina and the nation.