Atlanta's Airport Prepares For Smoking Ban To Go Into Effect

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is preparing to go smoke free. It's closing all smoking rooms as of Jan. 2.

The move comes after the city of Atlanta passed an ordinance banning smoking in public places including the airport, city-owned buildings and indoors at most bars and restaurants.

Paul Brown is the assistant general manager of commericial development with the airport. During a press conference Tuesday, he said there will be a transition period.

"We recognize here at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport that the initial phases of the smoking ban may create discomfort for our smokers that are already using our facilty," Brown said.

To aid in the transition, airport staff will give out free packages of nicotine lozenges to passengers through the end of January.

There are also 15 designated smoking areas outside the domestic and international terminals.