Smoking Ban Proposed for Municipal Buildings

Municipal employees and visitors to public offices would no longer be able smoke within the vicinity of the buildings if an amendment passes township council this month.

At Monday's Township Council meeting, an amendment to existing smoking regulations was introduced that would ban smoking on all public land in the township. 

Township administrator James White said the ordinance would extend to include municipal buildings, as township schools and parks are already designated smoke-free zones.

Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin said she was concerned about the ordinance and the use of the wording "public land," as it was not clear what that would encompass.

"Are other (towns) using this restrictive of an ordinance?" she said.

Mayor David Stahl said designated smoking areas would be established for municipal employees to use during work hours. 

Pinkin said she believed that the council should see a list of designated smoking areas on township property before passing the ordinance.

The council approved the first reading of the ordinance on Monday and set Feb. 25 to hold a public hearing on it.