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Shelley Osterloh Reporting The Midvale City Council voted unanimously last night to ban cigarette smoking in public parks, ball fields and the city cemetery.
The state legislature passed new smoking rules that go into effect May 1st, and in Midvale, places like the city park are now off limits to smokers, partly because of the smoke and partly because the butts have become a problem.
Kane Loader, Midvale City Administrator: "The city council was adamant about not wanting to hurt and take rights away from people. It's just that they wanted to protect the health and safety of young people."
The council decided to pass the ban after a presentation from teenagers about the dangers of second hand smoke. The council considered a much stronger ban, but decided to exempt city streets and sidewalks and focus on parks and ball fields.
The Midvale city council put some teeth in the ordinance. You get a warning if you break the law the first time, but the third time could mean three months in jail and a fine up to 750 dollars.
Children we met at the park seem to like the idea, but the adults we spoke with said banning smoking in open areas isn't necessary.
Evan Makaste, Plays at Midvale Park: "I think it's a good idea because when the kids are playing and people are smoking, the smoke might get into their lungs. I already have asthma and it's hard for me to breathe."
Ally Makaste, Plays at Park: "I think it's good because it wrecks people's lungs and makes them die."
Tom Davis, Smoker and Seasonal worker for Midvale City: "I'm an intelligent, reasonable, rational person. I just happen to smoke and that should ordinarily be my choice, and I feel like I'm losing more of my choice."
Ben Lopez, Smoker: "The smoke just disappears. I can understand in a building it's different, but in the open? People like to go out and enjoy themselves. I like my smoking."
Camile Bullock, Nonsmoker: "It's almost like they are trying to make it so people can't smoke anywhere at all."
The 2006 legislature banned smoking in more business. So starting May first, you can no longer smoke in any daycare - licensed or unlicensed. It's already outlawed at public schools. Social, fraternal and religious organizations can no longer allow smoking inside buildings. Facilities rented or leased for private functions, such as weddings, also have to be smoke free.
Every year more than 50-thousand Americans die from second hand smoke, many from heart disease and lung cancer. Lawmakers are hoping to reduce those numbers, at least here in Utah.
