1029 – Smoking in Public Areas

                              ORDINANCE NO. 1029

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING SMOKING IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC BUILDING AND PUBLIC AREAS OWNED BY THE CITY OF RICH HILL, MISSOURI

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WHEREAS, it is evident that tobacco smoke is a major contributor to indoor air pollution; and

WHEREAS, the presence of tobacco smoke in closely confined areas causes the general public, including non-smokers, to become passive smokers as they breathe smoke-filled air; and

WHEREAS, the harmful components of mainstream smoke are found in sidestream smoke, sometimes to a greater extent than in mainstream smoke; and

WHEREAS, smoking in public assembly areas presents a fire hazard threatening public property and the safety of those assembled.

WHEREAS, in order to protect the public health and environment, it is desirable to prohibit the smoking of tobacco in certain places which are used and open to the general public  and in certain work places,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RICH HILL, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1:     No person shall smoke or carry a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or match, or use any spark, flame or fire-producing device in any  building owned or operated by the City of Rich Hill.  Smoking will not be allowed in enclosed areas used by the general public or serving as a place of work, including open office area. Smoking shall be specifically prohibited in the following areas:

a.  Rich Hill City Hall

b.  Rich Hill Police Office

c.  Rich Hill Municipal Court Room/Council Chambers

d.  All City Owned Vehicles

SECTION 2:     Placards or signs reading “Smoking Prohibited by Law”                  shall be posted in all City owned or operated buildings.

SECTION 3:     The prohibition of smoking shall not apply to those areas that are so designated as smoking areas by placard or sign.

SECTION 4:     Any person who is convicted of a violation of this                     Ordinance shall be fined not less than One Dollar ($1.00) or more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each such conviction thereof.