Smoking Ban Extended in Gaithersburg, Takes Effect January 1

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Posted: December 20, 2016 City of Gaithersburg Press Release To help safeguard the health of its residents and municipal employees, the City Council voted on October 17, 2016 to amend the City ordinances banning smoking and vaping on all municipal property with a few limited exceptions. The ban prohibits the use of cigarettes, cigars, vaping and e-cigarettes in all public buildings and on public property in general, including all areas of parks. The previous smoking ban did not include vaping or e-cigarettes and only applied to enclosed public spaces and to areas that were within 25 feet of the playground equipment in City parks. “Smoking is a public health risk, and subjecting others to the effects of second hand smoke is contrary to our commitment to improving the health and well-being of both our residents and our employees,” said Mayor Jud Ashman. “In considering this legislation, we acknowledged that those accessing and working in our facilities, those visiting our parks and those attending our events should be able to enjoy the experience in a completely smoke-free environment.” The new law extends the smoking and vaping ban to all City-owned vehicles and could impact public ways such as roads when they are being temporarily used for City parades, festivals and other events. While these ordinance changes primarily impact City facilities and public spaces, the changes that were made extend the ban of vaping and e-cigarettes in other places previously identified as “no smoking” areas, such as elevators, restrooms, healthcare facilities, retail establishments and restaurants, shared work spaces, schools and theaters. The law takes effect on January 1, 2017. Those found to be in violation could be subject to fines under Gaithersburg’s City Code. View the adopted ordinance here. http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/government/city-code Contact Information City of Gaithersburg 301-258-6300 cityhall@gaithersburgmd.gov Office Hours Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM

http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/news/press-releases/2016/12/20161220-smoking-ban-extended-in-gaithersburg-takes-effect-january-1]]>