We here at Daily RFT have (for the most part) championed the many smoking bans voted in last year by various city councils and voters in St. Louis, Kirkwood, St. Louis County and other municipalities.
But the enhanced ban that Clayton's board of aldermen approved last night goes a little too far -- in our humble opinion. The law bans smoking in city parks as well as all city-owned outdoor properties, such as parking lots.
Last year Clayton became one of the first area suburbs to approve a smoking ban. The ban went into effect this past July and is generally more restrictive than the ones passed in St. Louis and St. Louis County that exempt certain bars due to size or liquor sales.
Last summer one Clayton alderman held out for a smoking ban that would include public parks, but his measure was defeated only to resurface in last night's 6-0 vote.
The ban on smoking in parks and other outdoor areas begins January 1. Smoking will still be permitted outdoors at privately-owned properties, such as patios at restaurants and bars. Oh, and the new ordinance also exempts sidewalks. So, no, you won't get cuffed and stuffed for enjoying a puff on the curb.
© 2023 Riverfront Times
