More and more localities are banning use of smokeless tobacco, and vaping outdoors, in parks and/or other areas. Some even ban NRT. Until now, there've been some pretty sick reasons cited, but the reason stated in this new ban, in a village in upstate New York, is a new one to me:
Watertown Daily Times | Village officials adopt new local law regarding tobacco use
Watertown Daily Times | Village officials adopt new local law regarding tobacco use
MASSENA — Village officials have adopted a local law that prohibits tobacco use near village-owned and leased buildings.
Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, snus, dissolvable tobacco products and the Electronic Nicotine Delivery System.
A first violation within a calendar year would be subject to a $50 fine. Subsequent violations within a calendar year will each be subject to a $100 fine. The policy will be enforced by the Massena Police Department.
It seems this has been 'encouraged' with money from dark places:“I think it’s long overdue,” Trustee Matthew J. LeBire said Tuesday following a public hearing that drew no comment from the audience.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Trustee Francis J. Carvel said, noting it was difficult to walk through the smoke generated by people who were standing near village facilities.
From the comments section:Village officials have been working with the Seaway Valley Prevention Council on the local law. Chelsea Bartlett, the organization’s community engagement coordinator, told trustees last month that they had received a grant called “Enhancing Tobacco-Free Communities,” and their focus was to concentrate on policy changes.
Didn't know that snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, snus, dissolvable tobacco products and the Electronic Nicotine Delivery System produced smoke. Live and learn. Whatever, Akwesasne will be all too happy to see the smokers and smokeless product users visit their town more often. Seriously, was the grant worth selling your principles and your citizens to the pharma funded anti-smoker cartel? Did you ever wonder why they didn't force you to ban nicotine patches, gum, inhalers, lozenges, as well? After all nicotine is nicotine, no? Hint: They are peddled by Big Pharma and their anti-smoker mouthpieces!