By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-981661.mp3
Glens Falls, NY – The city of Glens Falls has had a ban on smoking in public places with voluntary enforcement measures. But that will change. This week, city councillors amended the law adding penalties for smokers caught smoking at city owned properties including parks, pools, beaches and playgrounds. Violators can be fined up to 250 dollars or be jailed up to fifteen days. Ward 5 Councilman Ben Driscoll says the council saw the move as a natural step.
While the penalties may sound harsh, Driscoll says the intention is not.
Banning smoking on municipally owned properties is a growing trend across NYS, according to American Cancer Society NYS Director for Advocacy Russell Sciandra. But, he adds, attaching penalties is not.
The Rip Van Winkle Tobacco-Free Action works with municipalities in Columbia and Greene counties to introduce smoke free measures. Spokesperson Lisa Heintz says some municipalities want to impose penalties.
The new law imposing penalties for smoking in public places in Glens Falls goes into effect in about three weeks.