By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-997879.mp3
Burlington, VT – The outdoor ban would prohibit smoking in the downtown shopping area of the city and the adjacent public park. It bars the use of all forms of lighted tobacco products on public property in parts of the downtown. Ward 5 Democrat Joan Shannon, a co-sponsor of the proposal, says it's intended to protect public health by eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke.
The ordinance would be effective from 9 am to 9 pm, and would exempt private property, outdoor sidewalk space leased to cafes and restaurants by the city, and an area to be determined within City Hall Park. Shannon says the exemptions will not diminish the strength of the ordinance.
Much of Burlington's downtown includes the Church Street Marketplace, an outdoor pedestrian shopping mall. Two years ago, merchants opposed a similar proposal, but this time, they are supporting the effort. Marketplace Director Ron Redmond says some businesses remain concerned about the bottom line impact, while others are not.
The council voted 12 to 2 in favor of the proposal on its first reading. It has been referred to the Ordinance Committee for refinement.