|
|
MARSHFIELD SMOKING BAN GOES INTO EFFECT SUNDAY
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 -- 10:44 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
Marshfield's smoking ban will take effect Sunday.
Approved in a binding referendum vote last Tuesday, the measure will ban smoking in indoor places open to the public, including bars and restaurants. The council approved the ordinance last night after lengthy discussion.
Questions were raised about the definition of "indoor".
"The idea of 'indoor' would typically mean you're talking about an enclosure that's at least four walls and a roof," explained Assistant City Attorney Harold Wolfgram, "I think we'd be hard-pressed to say a lean-to, an awning or a deck is something other than that."
Wolfgram said an "airtight definition" would be difficult to create.
Marshfield Police Chief Joe Stroik said there would be "trial and error" in enforcement.
"It's a brand new ordinance," Stroik said, "We're not going to be out to put anyone out of business. It will be a lot of commonsense. A lot of discretion."
Stroik said, according to his reading of the ordinance, both the smoker and business owner could be fined if found in violation.
Marshfield is only the sixth Wisconsin community to prohibit public smoking, joining Madison, Appleton, Eau Claire, the Milwaukee suburb of Shorewood and the Madison suburb of Shorewood Hills.
|
|
|
VIEW OUR ARCHIVE
|
|
