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Laurens City Council unanimously designates downtown plaza a smokefree public space
Summary
The Laurens City Council approved Resolution 26-3-1 to designate the downtown plaza smokefree (including vaping devices). The resolution contains no penalties; council members discussed signage and enforcement would require a separate ordinance.
The Laurens City Council voted unanimously on March 17 to adopt Resolution 26-3-1 designating the Laurens City downtown plaza a smokefree public space.
Councilor Campbell moved to consider Resolution 26-3-1, which the council then discussed. Council members emphasized that signage and voluntary compliance would be the first step; the mayor noted "no penalties" are built into the resolution and said a separate ordinance would be required if the council later sought enforcement or fines. A councilor confirmed the policy includes vaping devices.
After brief discussion about public comfort and signage, the council voted in favor. The resolution establishes the plaza as a smokefree area covering cigarettes, cigars and vape devices; it does not impose fines or enforcement mechanisms beyond asking the public to comply.
The council did not set any additional enforcement steps at the meeting; the mayor said the city could prepare a separate ordinance if members wish to add penalties and enforcement in the future.
