Proposal Would Ban Tobacco and Marijuana in City Public Places

A proposed city ordinance being introduced would ban use of tobacco and marijuana in public buildings and parks in the city.

The proposed ordinance (law law) would say that, “It shall be prohibited at all times, for an individual to use tobacco or marijuana products in any form while in a government building, playground, sports field, public park or school ground.”

The proposal, introduced by Ald. Francisco Santiago (D-5) and Ald. Iris Sanchez (D-3) would allow for, “designated smoking areas within these tobacco-free zones for tobacco use only.”

While the proposal would ban both tobacco and marijuana use in public places in the city, recreational use of marijuana is not legal in the state, so the proposed ordinance’s only immediate effect would be on tobacco smoking.

However, while the immediate effect would be on tobacco use, the new ordinance would also effect marijuana use if the state does legalize it. A proposal to do so was considered by the state legislature this year, but, as the CT Mirror reported, that proposal was not approved.

City police would be charged with enforcing the new ordinance. The proposal would require that, “A citation issued for a first offense shall be a warning only.” Further violations would carry a $99 fine.

The proposal would require the city to post signs in all places where tobacco and marijuana use would be banned.

The ordinance proposal is on the agenda for he June 26, 2019 Council meeting. Ordinance proposals are not approved at the first meeting that they are introduced. They are referred to one of the Council’s committees and are placed before a public hearing in the committee.

The committee of the Council to which the proposal is referred may then decide to refer it back to the full Council, at which time the Council can decide to approve it.