Expanded Smoking Ban in Groton Parks and Recreational Areas

The city of Groton, Connecticut in the United States is expanding its smoking ban ordinance in parks and recreational areas to include marijuana and e-cigarettes. This applies to parks and recreational areas owned by the city, such as Washington Park and Eastern Point Beach.

The Mayor of Groton, Keith Hedrick, announced that in 2013, the city approved an ordinance that banned smoking in parks and recreational areas. The ordinance is currently being updated to include e-cigarettes and vaping to reflect the current societal climate, where marijuana use is legal for adults aged 21 and over in Connecticut.

According to Hedrick, the city council initially approved the ordinance update during their meeting on January 3rd, with a final vote scheduled for February 6th for ultimate approval.

The resolution states that the purpose of banning smoking and e-cigarettes in these areas is to "protect public health, safety, and welfare by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke/vapors and tobacco/e-cigarette waste.

The regulation defines parks and recreational areas as "beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields or courts, bleachers, walking paths, gardens, hiking trails, bike paths, and dog parks," but excludes public sidewalks adjacent to parks and recreational areas.

In the town, Town Manager John Bert stated that the city council had discussed options for a potential ordinance earlier, but did not further deliberate on the matter. He said that this is something the mayor wants to accomplish, as the Parks and Recreation Committee publicly supports the town park smoking ban. According to the park and recreational facility rules posted on the town's website, smoking is prohibited "near playgrounds and areas with children present" and during "youth sports events.

Individuals who violate city ordinances will be fined $120.

According to Hedrick, the city ordinance has been updated to include areas where smoking is already prohibited under state law, such as restaurants, healthcare and childcare facilities, schools and school grounds. Therefore, prohibited locations will be incorporated into the city code.

Connecticut state law allows local authorities to permit the use and consumption of marijuana (smoking and vaping) on any property owned or controlled by them. Additionally, communities with populations over 50,000 must designate areas where smoking is permitted outdoors. However, the state prohibits the use of marijuana in state parks and beaches.