January 2, 2020, will be the last day that smokers will be able to legally light up at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
A new city ordinance banning smoking in Atlanta bars, restaurants, and other enclosed spaces is also being applied to the airport’s dozen or so smoking lounges, CNBC reports.
Airport officials signalled their intention to comply with the law and said the lounge spaces will be converted to other uses.
“Many airports have repurposed smoking lounges for much desired spaces to sit, including electronic device charging stations or more food options,” said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, who cheered the announcement and urged other US airports that still allow smoking to follow the lead of the nation’s busiest air hub.
Airports that still have smoking areas include Washington Dulles and Nashville International Airport.
“We plan to work with our airline partners to make sure they communicate with their customers that smoking is no longer permitted at ATL,” said Jennifer Ogunsola, a spokesperson for the Atlanta airport.
“We also will have public service announcements messaging throughout the airport as well as permanent and digital signage with like messaging.”
