City of Ithaca, New York

Smoking BanVicki Taylor BrousAssociate DirectorDowntown Ithaca Alliance

Purpose of Legislation

• Reduce hazards of second hand smoke• Reduce litter• Reduce exposure of young people to smoking so that

they won’t use tobacco

• Municipal Code Chapter 280

Outdoor Smoking Ban• Downtown Ithaca Commons and Alleys • Playgrounds, child-care facilities, schools (+25ft)• Outdoor dining areas/mobile vendors on City property• City owned parks and natural areas except in designated areas• Outside City owned buildings • Mass transit shelters (+25ft) • Outdoor events on City property• A designated smoking area can be declared • Must notify patrons in publicity

Legislation

• Adopted 4-7-10• Enacted 8-1-10• Amended 10-6-10• Amended 6-1-11

Penalties

• First offense: $75• Second offense: $150• Third or Subsequent: $250

Enforcement

• City of Ithaca Police Department• 1 officer – 22 block area 7am – 11pm

• Claims of selective enforcement to remove an element from the downtown core

Litter Receptacles• None in smoke free area• Moved to edges of designated area• Cigarette litter is an issue at bars and restaurants after hours• Environmental concern of butts and the environment

Smoking Cessation Information• Tobacco Free Tompkins • Tompkins County Health Department

• Information to be provided• NYS Smokers Quitline• Cessation Counseling options• Educational materials

Issues

• Always creates a line• Worker productivity – travel to area to smoke• Initial proposal to ban in playgrounds, sheltersor be time limited – e.g. 9pm – with receptacles • Provide education through tabling and posters• Competition with other shopping areas that allow many of the activities that are banned on the Commons• Increased violence and vacancy rate• Greater safety concerns • Downtown BID cleans