PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -
Outside the Clinton County Government Center you can't miss the smoking canisters.
But soon they may be a thing of the past.
Some lawmakers want to make people leave county properties if they choose to use any form of tobacco.
A hot topic issue that has people here talking.
"Smoking shouldn't be one of the options around government property," said Leshaunda Dawson.
"I think it's kind of unnecessary it's not really a big deal to me," said Joey Bernardi.
But it is to some.
Clinton County leaders say for the past two years they've been working on a ban.
"More than anything else, it's the trend," said Clinton County Deputy Administrator Rodney Brown.
About ten county properties, including the airport, would become tobacco free.
Clinton Community College would not.
If caught, you would face a $500-dollar fine.
But Brown says he doesn't expect many tickets to be handed out.
"Generally speaking people like to follow the law on this and they comply," said Brown.
There would be some exceptions to the new law like if you want to smoke near the building you could just move to the sidewalk, or if you parked in a lot that's owned by the county you're allowed to go in your car and light up.
Signs would be put up and county leaders would work to get the word out.
But still, not everyone is convinced they'll see tobacco disappear from county grounds.
"I think people will still sneak a chance and smoke," said Dawson.
"I don't think anybody is going to be really paying attention to it," said Bernardi.
County lawmakers will be voting on this Wednesday night at 7.
If passed, the law would go into effect next July.
