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MFLD CHIEF: SMOKING BAN NOT A HIGH ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 -- 9:36 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
Marshfield residents overwhelmingly threw their support behind a smoking ban Tuesday. While the referendum was binding, the Marshfield City Council still has plenty of work to do.
And then it will be up to the Marshfield P.D. to enforce the ban, but the police chief admits smoking complaints will not take precedent over other calls.
"There may be times when someone calls in to report a smoker and we don't respond at that point because we're busy with more important issues," explains Police Chief Joe Stroik.
The Council still has to write the actual ordinance. For instance, the council hasn't yet established penalties, or even if the property owner or smoker could be cited, according to Stroik.
"It all depends on how the law is written," he says of the different enforcement scenarios.
What they come up with will determine if the ban is workable or an "enforcement nightmare."
"We have limited staff, we have limited resources. Certainly, if there is something significant going on, we're not going to worry about someone lighting a cigarette."
The council will likely discuss the issues at a meeting Tuesday, but could elect to table it until April 22.
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