Politics & Government

Arlington to Mull Banning Smoking in Workplaces, Public Spaces

The news comes a month after the town voted to raise the cigarette-buying age to 21 over the next two years.

The Arlington Board of Health will consider Wednesday, June 19, banning smoking in all workplaces and public spaces in town.

Last month, the board passed new tobacco regulations that, among other steps, will raise the minimum age to buy cigarettes in town from 18 to 21 over the next two years.

On June 19, the board will discuss adopting “Regulations Prohibiting Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places” (attached). Public places include town-owned parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, beaches and swimming areas.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If the board passes the proposed regulations, anyone found in violation would receive a $100 fine for the first offense, a $200 fine for the second offense (within two years), and a $300 fine for every subsequent offense (within two years of the second offense).

The board’s meeting is at 5:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room of the Senior Center. The public is invited to attend the meeting and provide comments.

Find out what's happening in Arlingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The three-member board consists of Michael Fitzpatrick, Dr. Marie Walsh Condon and Kenneth Kohlberg. The regulations do not need Town Meeting’s approval, as the town’s health regulations are separate from the town bylaws.

Do you support the proposed regulations? Let us know by posting a comment below.

More on Arlington Patch

Arlington Raising Cigarette Buying Age to 21


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Arlington