Madison Reaches Compromise Over Smoking Ban

The residents have spoken and town officials say they have listen regarding a proposal to prohibit smoking at town beaches and parks.

On Monday night several Madison residents expressed concerns that there wouldn’t be any designated areas for smokers at parks and beaches.

The selectmen listened and part of their ordinance agreed to designate areas for smokers, the New Haven Register reports.

The Beach and Recreation Commission will create designated smoking areas. Those areas have not yet been defined. The selectmen unanimously approved the ordinance.

The ban also includes e-cigarettes. The move is inspired to promote a healthier community, according to media reports.

The ordinance would be enforced by town staff and police.

“We’ve just become more and more conscious of the health effects of secondhand smoke,” said Fillmore McPherson, Madison’s first selectman, according to WFSB 3 TV. “And of course the nuisance value has been there all along, the nuisance value to the non-smokers.”

The ordinance goes into effect immediately.

Read the full New Haven Register story here.