By Associated Press - Tuesday, May 9, 2017

HAMPTON, Va. (AP) - A new federal rule will ban tobacco use in public housing, including Section 8 homes and apartments.

The Daily Press reports (https://bit.ly/2pnBZ6I) that the smoking ban will be in place by August 2018.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the upcoming change in November. It’s aimed at reducing smoke-related health issues and maintenance costs.

Reaction was mixed at a public housing complex in Hampton, Virginia. James Houston says he may have to move. The 75-year-old has trouble walking and uses a wheelchair. He said it will be difficult for him to get to a smoking area.

But his neighbor, Terrance Rodgers, welcomes the plan. The 33-year-old lives with his girlfriend and her child. He says neighbors’ smoke leaks into their apartment.

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Information from: Daily Press, https://www.dailypress.com/

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