New Castle County to ban smoking at government office complexes

Starting January 3rd, smoking will be entirely banned from New Castle County’s three government office complexes – inside and outside.

The change affects about 1,400 employees who work at the county Government Center and James H. Gilliam Building on Reads Way in New Castle, the William J. Conner Building on Old Churchmans Road and the Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building on Route 13.  Visitors to the facilities will also be subject to the smoking ban.

New Castle County created outdoor smoking areas when smoking inside county facilities was banned in 1994.

“While I understand that this policy may be difficult for some to adjust to, we are putting it into effect for the overall health and well-being of our employees and our visitors,” New Castle County Executive Paul Clark said.  “We will be ready to help those who seek assistance in adapting to the policy.”  Employees will be offered smoking-cessation programs in conjunction with the new policy. 

Smoking within Delaware restaurants, bars and other indoor public places was outlawed in 2002, with some exceptions, including fundraising events and social halls.  Smoking bans have since extended to other heavily-visited locations such as the Bethany Beach boardwalk and beach and Christiana Hospital/Christiana Care facilities.