WSET.com - ABC13Town of Altavista Considers Anti-Smoking Policy in Parks

Reporter: Dhomonique Ricks l Videographer: Daniel Heffner

Altavista, VA - The town of Altavista is looking into the possibility of making all its parks tobacco free.

The idea came a few months back when residents came to council with their concerns. The number one concern being second hand smoke. Another issue is the butts that are left behind  that could pose a risk if consumed by kids or pets.

"We're here to set the example for children and if we're sitting here smoking, what example is that setting?" said Wendy Davis.

We took the proposed policy to the parks.

"Well I feel that if you can't smoke in government buildings, you shouldn't be able to smoke in government properties at all," said Jeffrey Davis.

"I think we should do that. Ban smoking anywhere and everywhere," said Preston Grebs.

Grebs caught our attention with what appeared to be a cigarette.

"It's a mystic cigarette. It's just vapor," Grebs said.

He says he used to be addicted to cigarettes but recently quit.

"Two weeks ago," Grebs said.

He too is for banning the use of them in parks, but not everyone feels that way.

"A person wants to smoke, all well and good. In the open air it doesn't bother anyone else," said Frank Loftin.

Loftin says he walks around the parks almost daily. He doe not see a problem.

"I don't see butts laying around or anything like that,"  Loftin said. "It's kind of a waste, I think of time and energy and everything else."

Town council members say the recreation committee recommended an anti-smoking policy for their consideration.

"Promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing tobacco and cigarette litter as well as changing the norm about tobacco use in our community," said Town Manager Waverly Coggsdale.

Officials say to keep in mind it would be a policy and not an ordinance.

"At this time, it's proposed to be voluntarily administered by individuals rather than an ordinance that would carry a fine," Coggsdale said.

Citizens will have a chance to give their input at a public forum at the next council meeting in March. Even if everything is received with open arms, it could be several months until this goes into effect.