Spring City Borough Councilor Sara Woll is proposing a smoking ban at borough-sponsored events, citing concerns about cigarette smoke in crowded public spaces.
Woll revisited the idea during the Monday, November 2, borough council meeting after first raising it in October. She would like the borough to consider an ordinance prohibiting smoking during community events, including festivals on Main Street and gatherings at Brown Street Park.
Smoking is currently prohibited in the park's playground but permitted elsewhere in the park. Woll also pointed to an incident during October's Music & Market Festival on Main Street, where she observed people smoking inside a face-painting tent.
Woll, who also serves on the borough's parks and recreation committee and environmental advisory council, clarified that she is not seeking a permanent smoking ban throughout Brown Street Park, acknowledging that such a restriction could be difficult to enforce. Instead, she wants the prohibition to apply specifically during borough events.
The proposal is expected to receive further consideration by the borough's finance and ordinance committee. Borough Manager Kisha Tyler said the committee did not meet in October but expects it to discuss the proposal at its next meeting.
The committee, which is comprised of Borough Council President Don Shaner and Vice President Chris Yocum, typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month, although November's meeting may be rescheduled due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
No formal action was taken during Monday's meeting.
