Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Ketchum smoke-free law advances

Violators of new ordinance could pay up to $52

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By BRENNAN REGO
Express Staff Writer

Ketchum has taken the second step toward passing an ordinance drafted to protect employees, residents and visitors from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and e-cigarette “vapor” in the city.

The council on Monday unanimously approved the second of up to three readings of an ordinance that would prohibit smoking in a long list of public areas throughout the city. According to Lisa Horowitz, community and economic development director, the council is expected to hold a final vote on the ordinance at a meeting on April 15.

People who violate the proposed ordinance—by refusing to “extinguish all lighted smoking products” or “leave the premises”—would be issued a written warning for the first violation. A second violation within two years would result in a $25 fine and a third violation within that time would result in a $52 fine. Employers who discriminate against employees who lodge complaints related to the ordinance would be subject to a penalty of $1,000 to $5,000. The ordinance states that the city will undertake a one-year campaign to educate the public on the new law before enforcing it.

According to the ordinance, smoking would be prohibited in all city-owned facilities, including parks, and in all enclosed, indoor public places and places of employment, including hotel and motel rooms. The ordinance would prohibit outdoor smoking within 20 feet of bus stops, on all school property and within designated “special event zones,” unless that event has a city-approved, designated smoking area.

Smoking would not be regulated in private residences, unless used as a business; in privately owned outdoor spaces such as bars and sidewalk cafés; on city rights of way, including sidewalks; at exclusive retail tobacconist shops; and at Native American ceremonies.

Brennan Rego: brego@mtexpress.com

 

 

 

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