Could Sioux Falls Soon Be Tobacco Free on City Properties?

If the city gets its way, soon you may not be able to light up a smoke on city properties.

City administrators discussed a measure on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, that would ban citizens from smoking on public property. If approved, you will no longer be able to burn a heater in places like parks, parking lots, sidewalks, golf courses and the Premier Center.

The proposed ban would affect all tobacco products like; cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and yes, even electronic cigarettes. Sorry, vapors.

If the proposed ban is passed, police could issue citations for those in violation. A judge would determine the severity of the fine.

There are a few reasons behind this proposed ordinance according to Sioux Falls Health Department officials. First, it would create a healthy environment. It will also help protect parks and natural areas and to reduce youth exposure.

Currently, the city prohibits the use of tobacco on playgrounds that are in city parks and during youth activities.

For this new measure to go into effect, the City Council would need to take a vote. That vote could happen as early as December.

If it passes, Sioux Falls will join Milbank as the only other community in South Dakota with a tobacco-free city property policy.

Source: KDLT TV

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