Smokers butt out. Vapers fog off.
That just might be the law in public parks after the first of the year should the Marble Falls City Council vote for a new prohibition ordinance.
A public hearing related to the proposed ordinance is scheduled during its first meeting of the new year, set for 6 p.m. Jan. 6 in City Hall at 800 Third Street.
Council members plan to weigh pros or cons related to the proposal, which could impose within city parks a ban on smoking leafy tobacco, also the inhalation of liquid nicotine through one slender, heated tube, often referred to as a vape pen.
“The proposed ordinance supports our belief that parks should be places where families, children and residents can enjoy fresh air and a clean environment,” City Manager Caleb Kraenzel told lander. "It represents an important step in promoting public health and ensuring our parks remain safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.”
According to the public notice, the proposed no-smoke, no-vape ordinance aims to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, diminish fire hazards and lessen any amount of litter strewn over park grounds caused by wantonly disposed, worn-out cigars and cigarettes.
Too, the proposal calls for placement of warning signs at “conspicuous locations” within city parks to alert residents and visitors of the smoking and vape ban.
As during any public hearing, at an appropriate time, attendees at the Jan. 6 meeting may air their views about the proposed ban.
Cities in Texas that have smoking bans in public parks include Austin, Boerne, Georgetown, New Braunfels and San Antonio.
