Starting this fall, it will be unlawful to smoke in any property owned by the Town of Hamden.
Tuesday the town council passed an ordinance that will levy a $100 fine on anyone caught smoking in town buildings or their grounds, parks, trails and other town controlled property.
Resident opinion on the vote was mixed.
“I don’t smoke, but I think it’s a free country. People should be able to do what they want to do” said resident Darcus Henry.
“I think it’s a good idea not to have smoking in public because of the children and all the health risks” said resident Mary Conklin.
Only one member of the town council voted against the proposal. Marjorie Bonadies (R-9th district) calls the ordinance an example of government overreach and questions whether it’ll make any difference to public health or where people smoke.
“I’m a nurse and I’m not a proponent of smoking. I want to make that very clear. But I am a proponent of individual liberty and freedom” she said.
Local
Bonadies also questions whether the ordinance is enforceable. “I think it’s just a feel good law and it’s not going to change behavior or public health” she said.
New Haven, Wallingford and Meriden have all passed similar measures.
Hamden’s smoking ordinance takes effect October 1.
