Springdale's city council eyes banning smoking in public parks

On Tuesday night, the Springdale city council will take up a smoking ban, according to its agenda.

Details: The proposed ordinance would ban tobacco products in city parks, trails, recreational facilities, sports fields, and in the stands.

• This includes chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes and vapes.
• If passed, you would be fined up to $1,000 for breaking the rule.

Why it matters: Well, on top of secondhand smoke being a health risk, many people find the smoke and leftover cigarette butts annoying.

• Smoking in public places has been increasingly limited over the past several decades, and we’re still seeing new rules here and there that remind us it’s still being further restricted.

Context: Fayetteville enacted a similar policy in 2018. Smoking isn’t allowed at Rogers parks either.

• In Bentonville, smoking is allowed only in parking lots.

Go to the meeting: 6pm Tuesday, at the new criminal justice building on Spring Street.