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Council sends proposed smoking and vaping ordinance to council after discussion
Summary
An amended ordinance to ban smoking and vaping in 21-and-over establishments (except cigar bars and vape shops) was forwarded to the council. Advocates including lung health groups supported the change; one councilmember abstained.
Council members voted to send a proposed amendment to the Gallatin Municipal Code regulating tobacco and vapor products on to the full council after a short discussion.
Mayor Brown introduced the ordinance, saying it was prompted by local lung-health advocates and followed similar action in nearby jurisdictions. The measure would prohibit smoking and vaping in 21-and-over establishments except for designated cigar bars and vape shops. Staff handed out an amended ordinance that corrected a few typographical items from the packet.
Councilmembers discussed whether the ordinance should include a required buffer distance outside doorways to reduce exposure near building entrances. Mayor Brown and staff expressed concern about enforceability of an outdoor-distance requirement and suggested that outdoor-space rules could be considered later if the council wants broader restrictions. One councilmember (Councilman Gebots) urged consideration of a buffer in future revisions.
The committee voted to send the amended ordinance forward to council for formal consideration; one member abstained from the committee vote. The full council will consider the ordinance at a future meeting.
