Southington Looks To Ban Smoking At Town Sites

(Editor's Note: This updated story reflects the correct day of the week in which the hearing is scheduled, Monday, July 27)

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A new local law would mandate that folks can only breathe fresh air at any municipal facilities in town.

They may soon be fined for breathing in any smoke or vapors courtesy of any smoking device they may be in possession of.

Local residents next week can give town officials their input on a proposed comprehensive smoking ban on all municipal property in Southington.

The Southington Town Council is hosting a public hearing on the so-called "smoking ordinance" on Monday, June 27, at 7 p.m. at the John Weichsel Municipal Center, 196 N. Main St.

After the hearing, the town council's regular meeting will take place and a vote on the ordinance could happen as soon as that night.

An ordinance banning smoking on town property was pitched by Southington Town Council Vice Chairman Paul Chaplinsky Jr. and a draft has been reviewed by legal counsel and approved.

The smoking ban applies to all forms of smoking, whether its tobacco, legal cannabis or vaporizers.

As a result, cigars, cigarettes, vape pens, pipes and any other devices would be banned at municipal locations if the town approves the ordinance.

In addition, the ordinance would be in effect at such town facilities as municipal buildings, parks, schools, athletic sites and any other location owned and managed by the municipality.

As part of the proposed law, all such facilities will have appropriate signage indicating the rules and regulations regarding the smoking ban at all sites.

Anyone violating the smoking ban could face a $90 fine to be enforced by the Southington Police Department.

For a copy of the proposed smoking ordinance, click on this link.

For the call to notice of the June 27 public hearing, click on this link.