Savannah Georgia Ban - Action Needed NOW

[Vocalek]

*sigh*

I had posted a call to action message, but just found this on a different Forum:

They made a few changes, but basically it went through pretty much as proposed. This is a sad day for Georgia. Again though I do want to say thanks to Elaine, NVC, CASAA and everyone who made phone calls and wrote letters.

http://www.wtoc.com/global/story.asp?s=13049391


"Starting January 1st, all Savannah businesses will be smoke-free. However, it's not exactly the aggressive, original proposal. There were a lot of compromises involved, including language changes, the word "ban" being removed is just one of them. Rather, the city says smoking is now restricted in all businesses.

In a 7 to 2 vote, aldermen Clifton Jones and Mary Osborne, the only two voting against the law for fear of negative impact on small business, the law passed."

 

[eeMGee]

That really blows.. shame on the ignorant Savannah politicians. I just moved here 2 months ago, and despite being able to smoke in bars, I switched to e-cigs for my own health reasons.

I had a hard time finding the ordinance that qualifies the ban, finally:

Newsvine - Savannah GA Includes E-Cigarettes in Smoking Ordinance

Section 1001 of the proposed ordinance includes a definition of “E-cigarette” to cover “e-cigarette, e-cigar, or e-pipe, or under any other product name or descriptor.” The definition of “Smoking” includes this text “’Smoking’ also includes the use of an e-cigarette which creates a vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Article.”

I link to the ordinance is provided in the article:

http://www.savannahga.gov/cityweb/SavannahGaGOV.nsf/0/a083d65ae0191bec85257762006457bf/$FILE/Smokefree%20Ordinance%20_2010_%20-%20redlined%20version%20Aug6%20_2_.pdf

Sec. 1001. Definitions
...
C. "E-cigarette" means any electronic oral device, such as one composed of a mouthpiece, heating element,
battery, and/or electronic circuit, that provides a vapor of nicotine and/or other substances, and the use
or inhalation of which simulates smoking. The term shall include any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold
as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, or e-pipe, or under any other product name or descriptor.
...
O. "Smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or
any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, in any manner or in any form.
"Smoking" also includes the use of an e-cigarette which creates a vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the
use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Article.

I guess this would include nicotine inhaler NRT devices as well... maybe even gum and lozenges (if you can smell them they are producing a vapor).

I think it is time that the e-cig community gets more organized and educate the general public. How about some mass protests? Attract attention and give the public a chance to be exposed to e-cigs and draw their own conclusion whether my delicious cherry-cinnamon aroma is undesirable... Can't we ban smelly drunks who haven't showered in a week from public places first?

eeMGee.

 

[Kate51]

Discouraging to say the least, not from lack of involvement, thanks to VocalEK and all who did the utmost possible....everything that can be done from an advocate position and a user position is being done, and does require a huge commitement; but as fast as ECF is growing, I dare to say the word is getting out about e-cigs!! We just have to keep passing it on.
See, 'they've' already learned how to incorporate e-cigs cleverly into their no smoking campaigns and legislation.
Would be HUGE if the manufacturers would step into the FDA chambers and do what they need to, hope everyone realizes what a tremendous amount of time and money is required to do that.
Daunting, to say the least. Pretty tied up, from a political point of view. FDA being 'owned' by persons and entities unseen by the naked eye and all. Perhaps the sun will shine a bit with hearings at the end of this month...everybody Pray!

 

[eeMGee]

I had posted a call to action message, but just found this on a different Forum:

Vocalek, which forum? I couldn't find any call to action at the article link included in your quote.

 

[Vocalek]

This post was going to be the call to action. But by the time I posted, the city council had already done the ugly deed. They voted on the ordinance at the second reading, the next meeting after I spoke.

So I changed the message in my OP. Unfortunately, I had no way to change the title.