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Ashland passes smoking ordinance By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune ASHLAND - A watered-down version of a smoking ordinance initially suggested last summer was passed by City Council Tuesday. Supporters still think it will help curb smoking by youths. "We know that it can make a big difference to the youth in our community to be vigilant about how they obtain tobacco products," said Kaaren Borsting, head of Citizens for a Healthy Ashland, which originally brought the proposal to the council. "We also understand that ... this isn't going to fix the problem." Licenses will be required for all tobacco vendors in the city, most sales must be vendor-assisted and no sales can be made to persons under 18 years old. Fines, followed by revocation of the license, await establishments that sell to youth. The council dropped outdoor smoking restriction at the ordinance's first reading Oct. 16. A possible ban on smoking in bars and restaurants had been eliminated earlier. The Oregon Legislature this year pre-empted the ability of local government to set new regulations on smoking in such establishments. Vendor assistance is not required for machine sales in taverns, cocktail lounges, industrial plants, hotels and motels under the ordinance. It is also not required in smoke shops, which minors can enter only when accompanied by a parent. Smoke shops must post signs warning of the restriction. "Basically for me, it's not going to affect my business," said Mike Welch, owner of Puffs Tobacco Shop. "It will be a revenue generator for the city, but not anything that will increase enforcement." City staff will propose license fees to the council at a later meeting. The fees need to be set within 30 days. A $250 fine will be assessed for a first violation within two years of license issuance. A second violation would bring a $350 fine and 45-day license suspension. A $500 fine and revocation will result from a third violation. The violator could seek a new license after six months. "I don't know that this ordinance will affect the smoking that youngsters do in this town," said Councilman Cameron Hansen, who cast the only vote against the ordinance. "It's a matter that needs enforcement of current legislation." Citizens for a Healthy Ashland will work in other arenas, said Borsting. The coalition will target older youth who may supply tobacco to youngsters. The coalition is also working to help family advocates and parents understand the effects of second-hand smoke. In other business, the council voted to withdraw an appeal of the Perozzi property subdivision that the Parks and Recreation Commission had sought. The commission voted Oct. 24 to ask for withdrawal of the appeal. The commission had filed the appeal to maintain negotiations for public access across the property. The land is just outside city limits south of Southern Oregon University. Hikers cross it to get to the city's Siskiyou Mountain Park. Withdrawal of the appeal will ensure that fire reduction work and hillside development conditions will be part of the project. Negotiations for access are still under way, commission chairman Rick Landt said. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.