Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em…until Jan 2.
SMOKING BAN TAKES EFFECT JAN. 2 IN BOISE CITY PARKS, FACILITIES AND GREENBELT
A new law prohibiting smoking in public places and Boise City parks takes effect Jan. 2, 2012.
The Boise City Council approved two Smoke-Free Air Ordinances on Nov. 29, 2011, placing restrictions on smoking in bars, other locations where people work, Boise City parks, facilities and within 20 feet of the Greenbelt.
Second-hand smoke is a leading cause of preventable death, accounting for an estimated 50,000 deaths per year in theUnited States. InIdahosecond-hand smoke causes approximately 220 deaths each year – comparable to motor vehicle accidents and about seven times as many as homicide. The annual health care costs inIdahodirectly caused by smoking are $319 million.
Smoking is prohibited in Julia Davis Park except a small designated area near the 3rd Street entrance near the boathouse.
Exceptions also include small designated smoking area in the east end of Ann Morrison Parkand near the 3rd Street entrance to Julia Davis Park. Smoking is prohibited in the clubhouse, putting green and driving range tees but it is allowed on the course at Warm Springs Golf Course.
Enforcement will emphasize compliance. If a violator complies with a request to extinguish his/her cigarette, then a citation will generally not be issued. If a citation is written, it will cost $69 for smokers in violation. E-cigarettes are not prohibited under the ordinances.
To learn more about Boise’s Smoke-Free Air Ordinances and enforcement, see smokefree.cityofboise.org.
For additional information contact the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerk@cityofboise.org or 384-3701.
