Cambridge, MA city counsel studying proposal to ban smoking in public parks..


October 10. 2010 - The City Council voted 9-0 last night to study the idea. But yesterday, Cantabrigians were divided on the issue.

Cambridge City Councilor Marjorie Decker, who introduced the measure, insisted a butt ban is a matter of respecting people’s rights. Decker said she expects to see the city’s report on the proposal in a few weeks and will hold a public hearing on the subject before the end of the year. A similar proposal is being mulled in New York City. (New York City officials have announced a plan to ban smoking outdoors..)

A ban on smoking in the workplace, including restaurants and bars, has been in effect in Cambridge since 2003. Massachusetts followed suit in 2004. Last year, Cambridge - the butt of many jokes for its rampant nanny state leanings - barred restaurants from serving foods that included trans fats in the ingredients.

Supporters of the smoking proposal said they expect it will reduce litter and protect people from secondhand smoke.

A 2007 study found that within 2 feet, second-hand smoke exposure is just as bad outside as inside. Sixteen percent of adults in Massachusetts smoke.

Reference: Cambridge eyes cigarette ban Wants smokers to butt out of parks by Natalie Sherman, BostonHerlad.com, 10/5/2010.

Massachusetts - some related news briefs:
Boston Area - tobacco signs more plentiful in city's poorer areas..
Lorillard claims not liable in a 2004 lawsuit by a former black Newport smoker..;
Boston, Massachusetts - next, ban smoking in all public housing..;
Boston, MA. - gets federal stimulus funding for obesity and tobacco prevention projects..;
Massachusetts - senate votes to license 3-totally no-smoking casinos..;
Massachusetts - City of Everett to ban tobacco sales in pharmacies..;
Massachusetts - may force retailers to display graphic warning signs of perils of tobacco..;
Massachusetts - jury rejects condo owner's lawsuit that realtor did not inform that neighbor smoked..;
Massachusetts - YOUTH - cigars and smokeless tobacco use surpasses cigarettes..;
Successful Massachusetts tobacco cessation program gets national attention..;
Massachusettes - lower income smokers giving up their nicotine addiction..;
Massachusettes - smoker loses job and then loses in federal court..;
Massachusetts - smokeless tobacco purchasers settle class action suit..;
Boston's ban on blunt wraps stands..;
Boston - NO Tobacco Products Sold - Pharmacies/College Campuses..;
Massachusetts cigarette tax jumps $1 per pack..;
Massachusetts (MA) Likely to Increase Tobacco tax..;
Massachusettes - Smoking ban drop in fatal heart attacks..;

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