Earlier this week, the City Council discussed imposing a smoking ban similar to Salt Lake City's prohibition passed in late November. Members chose to table the issue for further study; they plan to discuss it again on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m.
"We wanted a little more clarification with the wording," said Councilman Shane Siwik. "The ordinance said all city properties. Should that include golf courses or apartments the city rents out?"
City Attorney Dave Carlson said his office drafted an ordinance after a coalition - made up of representatives of the Salt Lake Valley Health Department, Teen Advocates Against Tobacco and the American Heart Association - encouraged the city to consider the ban, based on the effects of secondhand smoke, particularly on children.
"We've had complaints about people smoking during our Fourth of July celebration, where you get thousands of people packed in like sardines," Carlson said.
Councilwoman Rea Goddard intends to examine the issue further.
"I think a ban is good idea where children are. But a golfer might want to have a cigarette on the greens," Goddard said. "It's getting to the point where people can't smoke, and if they're addicted, it's really hard on them."
Striking the balance between smoker rights and public health is the key, said Councilwoman Marilyn Brusch.
South Salt Lake's ordinance could include a $35 fine, but also would give police officers discretion to issue warnings.
"We don't plan to have a heavy-handed approach - you can't spend resources enforcing it," Carlson said. "We'd post [the ban] on our park signs, but compliance would be largely based on the honor system."
