Salisbury Could Adopt Smoking Ban for Some Areas

Smoking and vaping in parks and other public places in Salisbury may be illegal soon.

A new ordinance to ban smoking and vaping in Salisbury parks and other public places could soon be adopted.

The measure was brought before the City Council by the Police Chief, Barbara Duncan, during Monday's council meeting.

If council decides to approve the proposal, it would mean smokers would have to avoid lighting up at parks, playgrounds, and picnic islands as well as other public areas.

Councilman R. Hardy Rudasill says he supports the move because its progressive.

"Now there will be, as we understand it, designated spaces for smoking. It's not meant to alienate any group of people just to identify some places as pristine and we don't want smoking here."

Rudasill says he expects the measure to gain the council's approval in the near future. The measure is raising some eyebrows though, critics say banning people from smoking in certain areas could be a violation of their rights.