Smokers Could Be Looking For A New Place To Light Up

Lauryn Carter takes her dogs to the park every day.

“They love the dog release area. It’s the only time they get off their leashes and to spend time with other dogs.”

But one complaint she has: smokers at the park.

“It disgusts me. I don't want to be around it. I don’t want them around it and we don't even have a choice.”

But with new legislation passed on the senate floor Wednesday... A choice could be possible.

“Senate bill 501 gives counties and cities the statutory authority to ban smoking on property that is owned or operated by the city,” Representative Frank

Simpson authored SB501. The bill includes property like city parks and rec centers.

“This bill will give towns and cities a level of control they need to control smoking,” said the representative.

 Not everyone is on board with the bill.

"I just step away out there in the grass away from the kids where they won’t be in the way,” said smoker, Catie Mayes.

She agrees smoking should not be allowed near kids but she says giving a city the power to ban smoking completely is not the answer.

“They should just have a separate area for smoking.”

Lauryn is pushing for the proposal,” I think that’s a great idea. I think they should be concerned what the citizens want.”

She will breathe a little easier if it passes.

“It would make me feel a lot better knowing I wasn’t being exposed to second hand smoke every time I went to a public park in Oklahoma City.
Smokers Could Be Looking For A New Place To Light Up

Posted: Wednesday, March 13 2013, 09:41 PM CDT