It’s getting tough to light up in Meck
The Story
Mecklenburg County Health Director Marcus Plescia is kicking some smokin’ butt. In his first year on the job, he’s throwing serious heat at his effort to end smoking in Charlotte.
Dr. Marcus Plescia leading panel on @MeckCounty plan to ban smoking in @MeckParkRec pic.twitter.com/vfHz3NBjvG
— Pat Cotham (@PatCothamMeck) August 11, 2014
Plescia’s Strikes Strike 1: He’s calling for a 10% tax on tobacco products sold in Meck. Plescia says such a tax would (1) raise needed revenues (studies predict $205 million) (2) discourage young people from buying a pack (a possible 6-7% drop, data shows). The catch: Would need approval from a tax-averse state legislature.
Dr. Marcus Plescia: 60% of Meck smokers tried to quit last year! #tobaccofreemeck pic.twitter.com/EX6cDgiD9u
— DC Lucchesi (@DCLucchesi) August 6, 2014
Strike 2: No smoking on county property. Starting March 18, smoking will be banned in all county-owned buildings, vehicles, greenways and parks. Ban applies to all of Charlotte and surrounding towns, too.
Includes cigarettes as well as e-cigs, smokeless tobaccos and water pipes.
NC: Mecklenburg Commission to Vote on Smoking Ban Proposal (e-cigs included *sigh*) http://t.co/FGduxkK6ZP via @sharethis
— Laurel O’Neill (@laurel099) October 21, 2014
Strike 3: This mega banner. Hanging off a parking deck at 4th Street and I-277. Scary.
He’s also placing ads in smart places.
Mecklenburg ad placed in PRIDE magazine highlighting link between heart health and smoking. pic.twitter.com/dX9ttW4qI5 — TobaccoFreeMeck (@TobaccoFreeMeck) February 5, 2015
#meckbocc Chairman Trevor Fuller plans to wear red this Friday in support of Heart Health Awareness. Will you too? pic.twitter.com/tBip4fGLUc
— Mecklenburg County (@MeckCounty) February 4, 2015
C5’s Take
Mr. Plescia, could you also figure out how to stop folks from chucking their cigarette stubs from out their car windows? That just makes us mad.
This story was originally published February 6, 2015 at 1:18 AM with the headline "It’s getting tough to light up in Meck."