Tobacco ban extended to all Dover city buildings

The Dover Public library has become an unintentional smokers oasis because unlike its neighbors,  its no smoking policy doesn’t have any legislative teeth behind it.
But that’s about to change.

The Dover Public Library is surrounded by state-owned buildings which all enforce strict no smoking  policies. The library has signs posted all over the premises that say “No smoking within 25 feet of the building” but still, people light up.
 
“There is always someone smoking on both of our entrances both the street side and parking lot side,” said Michelle Hughes, the libraries assistant director. “We just do our best to enforce the signs.”

Hughes says the state buildings smoking policies are backed by state legislation but the library’s policy is only instituted by the library itself. Library Director Margie Cyr says it’s always been an issue.

“When we would ask people to move away from the building if the weather was nice they would move away from the building. If the weather wasn’t nice, there would be a lot of feedback,” said Cyr.

So, library officials took their concerns to City Hall on Monday night hoping that the city would back their policy and initiate a smoke free policy on the entire grounds for safety, cleanliness and the health of the visitors.

Councilman Roy Sudler apparently wanted more; proposing an amendment to ban smoking at all city parks and within 25 feet of any doorways of all city buildings. The proposal passed unanimously.

“I think its a reasonable expectation, said Helen Hogan an Dover resident. “If it’ something that’s bothering people then people can go elsewhere to smoke.”

City and library officials will meet August 22nd to discuss how best to enforce the new rule.