Smyrna American Legion Post Bans Indoor Smoking

Members of American Legion Post 160 in Smyrna have voted to ban indoor smoking in the organization's social room starting on Jan. 2, 2014.

According to an American Legion Post 160 press release, 44 out of 60 voting members cast their ballots in favor of a smoking ban, which Post Commander Harold Watkins believes will encourage new members to join and increase overall member participation in the post's activities.
The vote makes Post 160 the first post in the district to ban indoor smoking. Post 160 might also be the first post in the state to enact such rules.

Although the post's ballroom and meeting room had always been smoke free, the social quarters were generally filled with smokers. A small non-smoking section had been created in recent years.

Since the American Legion post is a private club, it is exempt from local and state laws that forbid smoking in restaurants. However, the veterans felt that banning smoking indoors would only benefit the members and guests.

To help the post become a smoke-free environment, Home Depot has donated funds that will go towards air duct cleaning, repainting, and building a covered location for smokers outside the building.