Butler City Council has adopted a resolution to make the city’s parks and playgrounds tobacco and nicotine free.
A representative from Keystone Wellness Programs addressed the council Thursday night offering free signs and recognition from the PA Department of Health for this commitment. Councilman Bob Dandoy was one of those voting in favor of this motion. “The power of suggestion with all the signs posted I think will serve as an educational tool that says ‘don’t do it,” Dandoy said.
Mayor Ben Smith cast the lone dissenting vote because it would not be an enforcement priority for police. Councilman Jeff Smith explained in a little more detail how the policy will be monitored.
“They’re not going to patrol looking for this, but there could be situations where without this policy, there is no recourse. Now there is,” Smith said. Municipalities such as Butler County and Zelienople have already taken similar actions to ban the use of tobacco and nicotine products in their playgrounds.
