LAKE STEVENS — People who smoke or use other tobacco at Lake Stevens parks could soon face fines or possibly even jail time.
The city is about to become the first in Snohomish County to ban tobacco use in all its parks and back it up with fines. The City Council recently voted to enable police to write tickets against violators. A second vote to finalize the ordinance is expected Monday.
Mill Creek bans tobacco use in one park — its Sports Park. Thirteen other Snohomish County cities have voluntary bans, encouraged through “tobacco-free zone” signs.
At first, Lake Stevens considered a voluntary ban. Officials decided it wouldn’t be enough.
“If it were voluntary, I don’t think it would be as effective,” Police Chief Randy Celori said.
The council’s vote last week was unanimous.
@1. a BODY STYLES:The first offense would be punishable by a $124 ticket. The fine would double to $248 for a second offense within a year and a third offense in a year could bring up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. In Mill Creek, the penalty is $100 for each offense.
The city will post signs and possibly even hold a ceremonial kickoff event, Celori said. The police also will likely grant offenders a grace period of a month or two in which they would give only warnings, not tickets.
Keri Moore of Lake Stevens attended the meeting last week and likes the idea of a ban.
“Personally, I would love to be able to enjoy tobacco-free parks,” she told the council.
Two women spoke against the ban, contending that the only problem in city parks comes from underage smoking — sometimes 10 or 20 teens at a time.
“One or two people smoking does not cause such a cloud,” said Rebekah Lundvall, who said she smokes.
Celori said later that officers enforce laws against underage smoking whenever possible.
“If a violation is observed and an officer can respond to it, they will,” he said.
Unlike Mill Creek’s ban, which came in response to complaints of smoking skateboarders and rollerskaters, Lake Stevens first discussed the idea in the context of the Snohomish Health District’s Tobacco Free Parks Initiative. It’s under that program that the district has encouraged the voluntary bans around the county since 2001, health educator Annie Peterson said.
Celori said having the legal ban will go one step further to making those health benefits a reality, similar to the ban on smoking in restaurants and bars.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
