From Deseret News archives:

Murray bans smoking at its outdoor venues

Published: Saturday, June 16, 2007 12:01 a.m. MDT
PRINT | FONT + - 
MURRAY — The Murray City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday banning smoking in all city parks, recreational areas and at large city-wide events such as the Fourth of July parade.

"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

About this ad

View Comments

DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.

– About Comments

rss icon

Recommended in Utah

Story

Officials confirmed Friday that a man and a woman from Wyoming were killed in a plane crash.

Story

A state senator vows that proposed changes to Utah's open records law this year won't be controversial.

Story

Dozens of Cache Valley residents gathered to release balloons in memory of Charlie and Braden Powell.

In News Across Site

No. Utah sees a major earthquake every 350 years. Last one? 350 years ago.