Council votes 4-1 to proceed with smoking ban in parks ordinance

The Clear Lake City Council voted 4-1 Monday night in favor of establishing an ordinance that will ban smoking, along with all tobacco and nicotine products from City Parks, the beach and additional public outdoor spaces.

At-large Councilman Gary Hugi cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he did not agree with banning smokeless tobacco.  Hugi said he recognizes the benefit of smoke-free spaces, but felt the ordinance goes too far in banning tobacco products without second hand health hazards.

The proposed ordinance, which must still pass on two more readings before going into effect, also includes e-cigarettes and vaping devices.  The ban would not include FDA approved products for the purpose of tobacco cessation, such as nicotine patches, gum or lozenges.

No one spoke during the public hearing on the issue at Monday’s Council meeting.