FAYETTEVILLE -- City leaders are reminding everyone smoking and tobacco use are not allowed in any park or on any trail in the city starting Friday.
The ban includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars, smokeless products such as chewing tobacco, snuff and dip as well as e-cigarette or vaping devices. The City Council passed the ordinance March 6.
Violators could be subject to a $50 fine. Smoking cessation products, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, inhalers or nasal sprays, are allowed.
The Northwest Arkansas Tobacco and Drug-Free Coalition sponsored the measure in partnership with the city. Making parks and trails smoke-free will promote clean air, environmental quality and healthy behavior as well as help prevent fires and open grant opportunities, according to city leaders.
The city joins Bentonville, Rogers, Forth Smith, Little Rock and 22 other Arkansas cities in banning smoking or tobacco use in parks. Fayetteville banned smoking in restaurants, theaters, retailers and most other public places except bars and smoke shops in 2004. Smoking also isn't allowed in city buildings or vehicles as a policy.
Signs in parks and along trails will notify the public of the change. Members of the coalition and Parks and Recreation Department also will be at the Farmers Market on Saturday to field any questions about the ordinance.
For more information, call 444-3481.
NW News on 04/05/2018