The Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board recently voted to recommend the tobacco ban. One board member said no one spoke up in opposition to the ban during public discussion. The city council took up the issue more than three years ago. At the time it did not have the authority to prohibit smoking in parks. The General Assembly later gave local governments that power.
Backers say the measure would protect public health and reduce litter. Opponents warn of government overreach.
To view CarolinaJournal.tv’s full report on the proposed smoking ban in Raleigh public parks, click on the video.
Anthony Greco is an associate editor of Carolina Journal.