Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Smoking Ban topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panama City holds first reading of ordinance to ban smoking in city parks and beaches; residents raise enforcement concerns
Summary
The commission heard first reading of Ordinance 32‑72 to prohibit smoking and vaping in city parks and on city beaches; staff said state law allows municipalities to restrict smoking in parks and beaches, and commenters questioned how the ban would be enforced and penalized.
City staff presented the first reading of Ordinance 32‑72 on July 8, which would amend Chapter 17 of the municipal code to prohibit smoking — including e‑cigarettes/vaping — in city parks and along city beaches. Staff said the ordinance follows state guidelines that allow counties and municipalities to restrict smoking within the boundaries of public parks and beaches, while noting a stated exception for unfiltered cigars.
"The attached ordinance prohibits smoking and e cigarettes or vaping in both city parks and along city beaches," a staff member said while presenting the ordinance. The staff report recommended the commission conduct the first reading.
Members of the public asked how the city would enforce the prohibition and what penalties would apply. Joel Putnam asked, "What's the penalties for this smoking bit?" and said he opposed the proposal. Another resident said they believed the change would be unconstitutional and raised concerns that enforcement could lead to confrontations on beaches and in parks.
Staff noted state law preemption in the field of smoking regulation and said municipalities may adopt ordinances that restrict smoking on public beaches and parks and may impose local restrictions on vapor devices that are stricter than state rules. The ordinance was read for first reading; no final action was taken and staff recommended the commission proceed with the first of two public hearings.
