Burlington City Against Smoking in Public

Burlington City Councilors are getting ready to crack down on Atis smoking in the downtown, and even some agree it's time to put the butts out. Jay Catalano, a smoker himself says, "I support that." But other non-smokers argue city council needs to butt out.

Bob Beauchesne does not smoke, and does not like the idea. He says, "You have got the normal I'll decide what is good for you thing."

This is not the first time a resolution like this has been seen in the city -- but it differs in a few ways. Unlike previous plans this would encompass the entire downtown. The details have not been set, but backers hope to regulate from Winooski Avenue to the waterfront and Main Street to Pearl Street.

Councilors say it would focus more on pedestrian traffic outside rather than people in their cars or apartments.

The resolution would not cut out smoking entirely, but it would limit it to designated smoking areas. There is no word on where these areas would be, or how many there would be, and the public has mixed reviews.

Catalano argues, "It has a lot to with hygiene, and people's decisions on what they do with their butts. I think it would help keep the city cleaner."

Beauchesne says it goes too far, "You have to draw the line somewhere. You have a choice to be here. I have a choice to be down here today. If there is someone over there smoking I can move if it is bothering me."

City Councilors in favor say the ban would help make downtown more friendly.

Burlington City Councelor Ed Adrian says "First it was the bars and restaurants, within the past couple of year's parks and beaches, and now this is just the next step in the natural progression. If they can do it in Times Square, why not in Burlington?"

Those against it say they were not elected to be a parent and argue the problem isn't the smoke, but the loitering and congestion.

Burlington City Councilor Paul Decelles says, "I think this has to do with the loitering in town with some of the younger kids and the problems in City Hall Park. I wish they would go ahead and attack the issues from that angle directly. Versus this backdoor way."

Statistics show 14% of adults in Chittenden County smoke cigarettes -- just under the state average of 18%

Ashley Bonilla, a smoker herself, says she sees both sides of the argument. "I understand why people who do not smoke want it. But at the same time it is public space you know what I mean it is open area."

The ordinance committee will now deliberate on the details and evaluate business owners and the publics opinion. Whatever rules they come up with will have to be okayed by the city council. Some of the details they will look into are where these smoking areas should be and if the ban should be 24 hours a day or only at certain times.