From Deseret News archives:
Murray bans smoking at its outdoor venues
"We strongly believe in having a healthy environment for our residents," said council member Krista Dunn. "It's positive for our residents and it's positive for the environment."
The ordinance makes it illegal to smoke at any of the city's parks, picnic pavilions, baseball fields, soccer fields, swimming pools, cemeteries, playgrounds, the city amphitheater and parts of golf courses. It takes effect immediately.
Smoking is still allowed on golf course fairways but not at tees and greens, because people are usually more spread out on fairways, Dunn said. Smoking on sidewalks surrounding recreational areas and parks is also banned.
The ordinance listed the city's Fourth of July parade as an event at which smoking will be prohibited, but other events on city property will also likely fall under the ban, Dunn said.
Those who violate the ban will be charged with an infraction for the first offense, and a class C misdemeanor if they're charged again. Each offense could be punishable by a fine of up to $750, but a judge will decide the exact amount in each case, said city attorney Frank Nakamura.
Dunn said the council had been considering such a ban for about a year.
"As the weather has turned nice over recent weeks, we've had many citizens come in during the citizen comment portion of our meetings and ask that we consider this," she said.
"No Smoking" signs will be installed in Murray's parks and recreation areas within the next few months, Dunn said.
Davis County passed a similar outdoor smoking ban Tuesday that will apply to all of the county's 15 cities and take effect Jan. 1, 2008. Salt Lake City, Sandy, Tooele and Logan also have outdoor smoking restrictions.
E-mail: dfelix@desnews.com
