The town of Simsbury, Connecticut is considering an ordinance that would prohibit smoking or vaping tobacco, cannabis, or any other substance on all municipal land open to the public. This would include parks, trails, sports fields, sidewalks, and other recreational areas.
If passed, Simsbury would join other CT towns like New Milford and Deep River that have enacted bans on lighting up on town-owned recreational properties. However, Simsbury’s proposal covers substantially more ground by encompassing all municipal spaces.
The public will have a chance to share feedback at an upcoming hearing before officials decide whether to approve the extensive ban.
Comprehensive Proposal Covers Parks, Sidewalks, Trails, and More
Unlike similar bans in other Connecticut municipalities focused just on parks and recreation sites, Simsbury’s ordinance would ban smoking and vaping across all municipal properties open to the public.
This includes not only parks, pools, playgrounds, and sports fields, but also sidewalks, trails, and other public ways like alleyways according to officials. The ban essentially encompasses any outdoor space owned by the town.
Indoor smoking has been prohibited in municipal buildings for years already under state law. This new policy would significantly expand smoke-free zones throughout the community’s outdoor commons.
Addressing Cannabis and Tobacco Use in Public Areas
A key motivation behind the ordinance involves addressing cannabis use in public areas now that recreational marijuana is legalized in Connecticut. Officials hope to prevent issues with people smoking in crowded venues.
The town has received complaints from residents who don’t want to smell cannabis smoke at community events or along hiking trails. A ban on municipal properties would alleviate these concerns.
Still, the proposed ordinance covers both cannabis and tobacco, including cigarettes, vape devices, and cigars. It aims to prohibit smoking or vaping of any substance on town land to simplify enforcement.
Questions Remain Over Practical Enforcement
While Simsbury officials support the intent of the public smoking/vaping ban, they want to ensure practical enforcement is feasible before approving the measure.
Selectmen raised concerns over who would be tasked with enforcing the sweeping ordinance if passed. Police officers would likely have jurisdiction, but no authority is explicitly specified in the current draft.
Clarifying enforcement procedures and agencies will be a priority as the proposal is finalized. Officials worry vague enforcement language could hinder the ban’s effectiveness if approved.
Selectmen also acknowledged the ordinance would significantly impact local cultural norms, like prohibiting smoking at the town golf course. While public health merits the change, it may meet resistance.
What’s Next: Public Hearing and Review
With selectmen requesting more time, the public hearing is now delayed until October 11th to allow for further evaluation.
Before the hearing, Simsbury’s Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission will review the ordinance language and provide recommendations.
Once residents have the opportunity to share input, officials can decide whether passing a broad public smoking and vaping ban is prudent based on enforcement practicality and reception across Simsbury.
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