Locals in Colorado Springs react to smoking ban in public housing

A nationwide smoking ban went into effect Tuesday, impacting those living in public housing. The ban prohibits the use of tobacco products in common areas, including inside apartments or homes. The idea has been in the works since 2016, and now some tenants in Colorado Springs are fired up, saying the change won’t be easy.

Smokers are no longer able to light up inside or around their public housing facility. For smokers like Daniel Stewart, who smokes a pack a day, quitting won’t be easy.

“Started smoking in ’66 or ’64,” he said.

But with the ban being in the works for the past 2 years, Stewart has known this day would come.

“This is my last day. I’m using antics and jolly ranchers to make up the difference,” he said.

While enforcement of the new ban seems like it could be a problem, the housing authority hopes that adding it into the lease and making it possible to get evicted if caught multiple times, will make people comply.

Non-smokers we spoke to say the rule may be tough, but it carries crucial benefits.

“One, your health. Two, the other people and second hand smoke. Three, we have a lot of oxygen tanks in here,” said Wayne Fuller who has never smoked before.

“If I’m around someone whose smoking, I try to get away from them,” non-smoker, Mottis Ashley said. The government expects this ban will help people choose a healthier lifestyle and prevent fires from unattended cigarettes.