Council introduces ordinance to ban smoking within 20 feet of government building entrances; enforcement and scope questioned
Summary
An ordinance to add section 78‑7 to the municipal code would prohibit smoking—including e‑cigarettes—within 20 feet of public entrances to city buildings. Several council members signed on as sponsors; public commenters questioned enforceability and scope.
The council introduced an ordinance to add section 78‑7 to the Michigan City Municipal Code prohibiting smoking within 20 feet of the public entranceways of city government buildings.
The sponsor said the change responds to employee requests and intends to extend the current 8‑foot exclusion to 20 feet, and to include traditional cigarettes, pipes and cigars as well as electronic cigarettes, vapor devices and electronic water pipes. Councilman Coulter asked to be added as a sponsor during the meeting and several other council members agreed to add their names.
Public comment opposed the measure on enforceability grounds. Tommy Klavick said the city previously tried similar restrictions at parks and was told by police that enforcement would be difficult; he urged the council to reject the proposal.
The ordinance was introduced and will be held for a second reading; council members said departmental staff will mark designated no‑smoking areas and clarify enforcement procedures before adoption.
Why it matters: The proposal affects visitors and employees at city facilities and broadens the scope of smoke‑free zones to include vaping devices; enforcement details and designated areas will determine the ordinance’s practical effect.
Details and next steps: The ordinance will return for second reading. Staff and departments will be responsible for marking boundaries and advising on enforcement procedures.
