City Government

10-20-2006 10:56 AM

City Council expands anti-smoking laws
Sale and possession of alcohol in parks also restricted

By TIM BURLESON

GRANTS PASS, OR - The City Council Wednesday night moved to strengthen anti-smoking laws in Grants Pass.

The ordinance was passed unanimously by a 7-0 vote. Councilors Phil Paquin, Jack Patterson, Denver Huff, Tim Cummings, Robert Keith, DonnaJean Wendle and Jeff Hyde voted in favor of the ordinance. Councilor Brian Thompson was not in attendance at the time of the vote.

The ordinance prohibits smoking in parks and public parking lots and in right of ways which are used by special events. The ordinance does allow for optional designated areas where smoking would be allowed and the Josephine County Fairgrounds. The ordinance does apply to events like the Grants Pass Growers Market, the Artisan and Crafters Market and the Asian Festival.

Prior to the vote, Mayor Len Holzinger said it was his opinion that smoking should be eliminated city-wide.

The ordinance also has provisions concerning alcohol. The possession or sale of alcoholic beverages in Reinhart Volunteer is prohibited. In other City parks the sale and possession of alcoholic beverages can be approved by the City Council and authorized by permit limited to a specific time period and area.

The ordinance also includes a section providing that police officers have the authority to bar persons from park areas for up to 30 days. Persons excluded under this section could be arrested for trespassing on park property.

Reach reporter Tim Burleson at 761-0195 or tim@grantspassclimate.com

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