OGDEN -- Smoking has long been banned at many indoor locations, but in Ogden, the ban might soon involve some outdoor locations as well.
The Ogden City Council is considering an ordinance to regulate smoking outside.
The draft ordinance states that tobacco smoke is a form of air pollution and is a danger to the public health that also discourages some residents from using public facilities.
Under the ordinance, smoking would be banned at the following outdoor locations in Ogden:
• Within or on outdoor public access property;
• Within 25 feet of a bus stop or train station;
• Within 50 feet of a gathering of more than 50 people;
• On city-owned or -operated property at and during a city-sponsored event.
Glenn Symes, a policy analyst for the city council, said no specific issue led to the drafting of the ordinance, but noted that Weber State University is considering a similar ban.
Representatives from WSU's Student Senate told the city council in November that they hope the university's administration will make the campus tobacco-free by 2013.
There are some exceptions listed in the city's draft ordinance.
Smoking would be allowed within areas specifically designated by the owner or operator of outdoor public access property.
Smoking would also always be allowed inside a moving motor vehicle on all city streets, regardless of whether a street is within a restricted area.
Smoking in a restricted area would be a class C misdemeanor.
Arielle Williams, a smoker who has lived in Ogden for two years, said she wouldn't be against the ordinance if it were passed.
"Personally, I am a courteous smoker, so I don't think it's that bad of an idea.
"We all know secondhand smoke is bad for you, and if people really want to smoke, they will find a place to do it."
Ogden resident Landon Steffen has smoked for about seven years and said he'd be against the ban.
"Where are you supposed to smoke? There are more and more places where you can't. I think it sounds a little discriminatory."
Symes said it likely would be at least a few months before the council votes on the ordinance, saying the city would still like to talk more with WSU, the Ogden School District and the Historic 25th Street Association.
Comments