Georgia’s Smokefree Air Act has an exemption that lets bars allow indoor smoking if most of their revenue comes from alcohol, which opens the door to hookah lounges. Jasmine Hooper of the American Heart Association explains how Dunwoody’s smoking laws, last updated in 2019, could close that loophole and address vaping before hookah lounges spread.
Jasmine Hooper shares how Dunwoody is tackling a public health issue most people have never heard of. The city has been working with the American Heart Association on closing a loophole in smoking rules and getting ahead of hookah lounges.
We talk about what the loophole is, why hookah isn’t as harmless as people think, and how you can help keep Dunwoody’s air clean.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, and learn more about the American Heart Association.
Who Is Jasmine Hooper?
Jasmine Hooper is a public health advocate with the American Heart Association. She works with city councils, county commissioners and state lawmakers on policies that protect community health. She also used to live in Dunwoody.
The Loophole in Dunwoody’s Smoking Laws
Georgia’s state smoke-free law has an exemption: if more than half of a business’s revenue comes from alcohol, it can allow indoor smoking. Most people don’t know it exists, and it’s how smoking lounges and hookah bars can operate in otherwise smoke-free cities.
Dunwoody’s smoking laws were updated in 2019, but Jasmine says there’s still room to improve, especially around vaping and that alcohol-revenue exemption.
Why Act Now?
At the time of this episode, Dunwoody had few, if any, hookah lounges. That’s exactly why it’s the time to act. Jasmine said once one opens, it tends to attract more. The city reached out to the American Heart Association to start the conversation, and she gave them a lot of credit for being proactive.
Hookah Isn’t Harmless
The water in a hookah doesn’t filter out toxins. It makes the smoke feel smoother, so people inhale deeper and longer. According to the World Health Organization, a typical one-hour hookah session can expose you to about 100 times the smoke of a single cigarette.
Lounges are often poorly ventilated, too, which is tough on employees and other customers.
Dunwoody vs. DeKalb County
Dunwoody updated its smoking ordinance in 2019, but Jasmine said DeKalb County hadn’t updated its rules since 2012. That mismatch can make enforcement confusing, so the AHA is pushing for the city and county to work together.
How You Can Help
- Contact the Dunwoody City Council and Mayor Lynn Deutsch to share your view on stronger smoke-free rules
- Attend city council meetings to stay informed
- Share the facts about vaping and hookah with neighbors, schools and parents
- Connect with the American Heart Association’s local advocacy work
My Take
I like when Dunwoody gets ahead of a problem instead of reacting to it. Clean air is one of those things families don’t think about until it’s gone. If this matters to you, let City Hall know.
Thinking About Moving to Dunwoody?
Families tell me they want a safe, healthy, family-friendly city. Read my Moving to Dunwoody guide and things to do in Dunwoody, search Dunwoody homes for sale, or text me or call 404-502-8683.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunwoody’s Smoking Laws
What is the smoking loophole in Georgia?
Georgia’s Smokefree Air Act lets businesses allow indoor smoking if more than 50% of their revenue comes from alcohol, which can allow smoking lounges and hookah bars.
When were Dunwoody’s smoking laws last updated?
Dunwoody updated its smoking ordinance in 2019. At the time of this episode, DeKalb County had not updated its rules since 2012.
Is hookah safer than cigarettes?
No. The water does not filter out toxins, and the World Health Organization says a one-hour hookah session can mean about 100 times the smoke of one cigarette.
How can I support smoke-free policies in Dunwoody?
Contact the Dunwoody City Council and mayor, attend council meetings and share information about vaping and hookah risks.