Smokers in Butler County buildings may have to walk a little farther next year to take cigarette breaks.

The county commissioners on Wednesday may expand its smoking ban from county buildings to all county grounds, except for Diamond and Alameda parks, effective Jan. 1.

If passed, the resolution would affect Sunnyview Home in Butler Township.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, board chairman, said Monday current Sunnyview residents who smoke would be "grandfathered" in and not have to follow the ban.

New residents coming in would be warned they wouldn't be allowed to smoke in the nursing home-rehabilitation center.

The expanded ban wouldn't take effect until next year to give smokers time to take classes that help people quit the habit.

County solicitor Julie Graham pointed out Highmark insurance helps cover the costs of such courses due to the health risks associated with smoking.

Commissioner Jim Lokhaiser, a smoker, didn't see the issue as pressing.

"I don't know if I would vote against it, but I will be vocal about it," he said later in the day.

While Lokhaiser doesn't smoke in restaurants as a courtesy to nonsmoking diners, he doesn't see the need for an outdoor ban.

Lokhaiser said one problem with the resolution is enforcement.

Graham said resolutions don't carry enforcement provisions.

If the commissioners would eventually adopt an ordinance, enforcement such as fines could be included.

Pinkerton said later Monday if people would ignore the expanded smoking ban, an ordinance would follow.

He said smokers have six months to prepare themselves for the change.

Pinkerton said county property, especially a health facility such as Sunnyview, should be smoke-free.

"We're just trying to make a healthier society," he said. "It does save lives."

Commissioner James Kennedy also supports the expanded smoking ban.

He agreed the county has a role in improving their workers' health by helping them quit smoking through the Highmark classes.

"We ought to be concerned with the health of all our employees at the courthouse and at Sunnyview," Kennedy said.

He said the county doesn't have to stop at smoking.

"I don't even object to a tobacco ban," Kennedy said.

Pinkerton pointed out Butler Memorial Hospital and Allegheny County already have smoking bans.

He compared a smoking ban to other changes people have been forced to adjust to, such mandated seat belt use in vehicles.

"We've all learned to adapt to them," Pinkerton said.