Teenagers who use tobacco in Bellefonte could be facing a hefty fine the next time they light up. Borough Council unanimously voted Monday night to approve an ordinance that makes it illegal for anyone younger than 18 to use or possess tobacco, in any form, within the borough limits. That includes cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and any other product containing tobacco leaf. The ordinance is based on one in place in Hollidaysburg. Bellefo ... Jump to full article >>

People know that exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with many harmful illnesses, including lung cancer, heart disease and other respiratory ailments. The negative effects have an even wider scope, however, especially if one considers our children as unwilling participants inhaling secondhand tobacco smoke. Youth tobacco user rates have a direct relationship with youth exposure to secondhand smoke. The more exposure children have to secon ... Jump to full article >>

The smoke-ban saga continues and could carry on after the November election. Here’s a quick summary of what’s happened, the latest update and a rundown of what might come next. Per City Charter guidelines, the City Council has taken public comment on the version of the ordinance for which Smoke-Free San Angelo collected petition signatures. That ordinance calls for an across-the-board ban of smoking in the city, including bars, restaurants a ... Jump to full article >>

The Lindsay City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance banning smoking in public places in the city of Lindsay during their Dec. 14 meeting. The ordinance spells out definitions, limitations and penalty provisions. Businesses have three months to implement a written smoking policy to include customers and employees. In an interview with the Register Tuesday, Lindsay Mayor Pro-Tem Don Metzler said that the ordinance takes effect Mar. ... Jump to full article >>