Should Cobb Ban Outdoor Smoking?

Atlanta is one step closer to having smoke-free parks and recreational areas. First, , and on Monday night, The Atlanta City Council passed 11-1 a wide-ranging in Atlanta parks and other recreation areas.

If passed by Mayor Kasim Reed, the ban will have an impact on Atlanta's parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, aquatic areas, tennis courts, golf courses and walking trails.

In February, Cobb considered , which was proposed by South Cobb Commissioner Woody Thompson.

He said he got the idea after visiting the

Thompson did express concern about how the smoking ban, once in place, could be effectively enforced.

Cobb County Parks Director Eddie Canon conducted a survey of about 60 groups who use the county's parks and recreational facilities to gauge support for the smoking ban.

Thompson said the majority of responses were supportive, however, there were some individuals who felt the ban would infringe on their rights.

"The people who are adamant are the people who have the addiction, I guess," Thompson said.

One Cobb citizen said the ban targets the rights of a specific population.

"The move to ban smoking in Cobb County parks is a move toward reducing the rights of a segment of our population," wrote Pete Borden, an East Cobb masonry contractor, in The Marietta Daily Journal.

What do you think about the move toward a total ban on smoking, both indoors as well as outside? Tell us below in the comments.