It is about public health, convenience and example
Jump to full article: Foster's Democrat, 2009-08-20
Intro: Smoking is not allowed in public buildings and in Somersworth it is no longer allowed in public parks.
The City Council said Tuesday night there are no "butts" about it. There is no more lighting up in the city's 12 parks and outdoor recreation areas.
The ordinance was well-advised and neighboring communities without a similar restriction would do well to consider following suit.
It is not "nanny" legislation. It is a matter of good health and eliminating a source of trash and setting an example for the city's children. . . .
It doesn't matter how many "butt cans" are placed in an area, there are always people who will treat the space they are in as a public ashtray — choosing to crush underfoot, or more likely toss away, the remains of their smoking materials.
Yes, smokers have rights, too. But their rights do not include — or at least should not include —causing others needless discomfort or endangering the health of others.
Jump to full article » |