The Teton County Health Department has received a late surge of public comments against a countywide smoking ban.

E-mails continued to trickle in to the health department Monday, the day before the public health board was to consider a measure that would prohibit lighting up in all public places, including bars and restaurants. The board is expected to vote on the proposal during a meeting at 9 a.m. today in the Teton County commissioners chambers.

County health manager Terri Gregory extended the comment period until today’s meeting even though the required 45-day period ended March 15. She provided a copy of the comments Monday. More than 50 people had expressed their views through e-mails, phone calls and the county’s Web site.

Last week, Gregory reported that a vast majority of the comments were in support of the rule. Since then, the number of opponents weighing in has nearly equaled that of supporters.

“I am not a smoker, but am fine with the current arrangement, where all but one restaurant/bars have banned smoking on their own,” Dave Rhinehart wrote in his comments.

The only establishment that still allows smoking is the Virginian Saloon. All other county eateries and pubs have voluntarily barred patrons from smoking.

“Please respect private property rights and vote NO to a ban on smoking in private places where the public is allowed!” Shephard Humphries wrote.

Those speaking in favor of the effort to prohibit smoking in public places commended the county for setting a healthy example that could spread statewide. They also dismissed opponents’ individual-rights argument.

“Time and time again our society has confirmed that one person’s rights end where another person’s rights begin,” Jeremy Besbris wrote in his comments.

The ban, called the Teton County Smoke-Free Air Rule of 2009, would also prohibit smoking in ski lift lines and outdoor areas up to 20 feet from public buildings.

The board began pursuing a smoking ban through the health board last fall. Attempts to get the Jackson Town Council to approve an ordinance failed because councilors felt one was unnecessary with such few places permitting smoking.

An additional public comment period is scheduled for the beginning of today’s meeting.