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Councilman proposes smoking ban at Wilkes-Barre playgrounds 

Councilman Bill Barrett wants smoking prohibited at city playgrounds, a ban that other local communities have passed or plan to implement.

Barrett invited Melissa Rehrig, youth and school health coordinator for Steps to a Healthier Pa. Luzerne County, to a council meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. to discuss prohibiting smoking at playgrounds to prevent children's exposure to secondhand smoke.

Barrett learned of the organization after a co-worker at Luzerne County Community College complained about someone smoking in the playground area at Kirby Park and throwing butts in the mulch. He wants Pennsylvania to have a state law like California, which prohibits smoking in all playgrounds.

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