Outlaw Smoking in Parks, Putnam News

After Putnam High School students proposed the idea, the Board of Selectmen will research the possibility of imposing a smoking ban on all town-owned property. Mayor Pete Place said the idea started after singers at last year’s “al fresco” events in Rotary Park continually asked members of the audience to stop smoking because it bothered them. After a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, the board decided to look into the idea and consider if the town should ban smoking on town-owned property. Place has asked Town Administrator Doug Cutler to check to see if other communities have bans in place and how they are enforced. “The idea was planted, and now it’s our due diligence in terms of researching, looking at the pros and cons,” Cutler said. In June, the Killingly Parks and Recreation Department banned smoking in Owen Bell Park. Since the ban, assistant recreation director Tracy Wood believes people have been obeying the new rule. “There are a lot of differences, but people recognize why it’s there and abstain from smoking, and others feel a little bit better about asking someone who might be sitting on a bench next to them not to smoke,” Wood said. Wood said it would be beneficial for other towns to enact a smoking ban, especially in areas that have children. Place said even though there will be health benefits from a smoking ban, a lot will have to be taken into consideration before the board takes any action. “We have a situation where town employees smoke, so how do we control that? Is there a way to set aside a space for smokers to go?” Place said. Resident Ruth Rhodes said she would support a ban, because smoking is a health issue. “Secondhand smoke is a killer,” she said. “Smoke bothers my husband and me. There’s always somebody blowing it in your face when they have the concerts in the park.” Place said additional information will be provided at one of the January Board of Selectmen meetings. Read more: Putnam may outlaw smoking in parks - Norwich, CT - The Bulletin http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x550230206/Putnam-may-outlaw-smoking-in-parks#ixzz1juxAzxsw