Raleigh Backs Off Proposed Smoking Ban in Parks

The City Council on Tuesday took a less restrictive stance on smoking in public parks than a proposed ban.

In mid-March, the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board recommended that council members impose a ban to cut down on secondhand smoke and litter.

A parent's complaint about cigarette butts near the playground at Pullen Park prompted a city study that culminated in the advisory board's resolution.

Instead, the council voted to allow park managers who notice a problem with smoking and cigarette butts to request help from the city. The help would come in the form of trash receptacles for cigarette butts and signs urging people not to smoke.

Council members said they might ask state legislators next year to change the law and allow them to enact a ban.

North Carolina law requires that the General Assembly grant approval for any smoking ban before a municipality can impose one.