DULUTH, MN (Northern News Now) – Smoking recreational marijuana is now officially banned in most public places in the city of Duluth.
In a 8-1 vote, Duluth City Council approved of the new ordinance Monday night.
The ordinance has two parts, the first adds marijuana to the list of places that already regulates tobacco smoking.
The restricted smoking areas include being within 100 feet of a medical facility, inside any Duluth Transit Authority bus, and 15 feet from the nearest point of any DTA transit shelter, and some city parks.
The second part of the measure broadens the restrictions on all city parks for both tobacco and marijuana.
The council also spent time discussing what type of fine would be given for those who violate the smoking ban.
Instead of the previously existing fine, which was $75 for a first violation, $125 for the second, and $300 for three and more, councilors eventually deciding to amend that price, lowering it to $25 for a first violation, $50 for the second, and then $75 for any subsequent violation.
Councilors say this ordinance is a reasonable first step to regulate smoking in public places, without interfering with people’s rights.
The smoking ban includes ingesting cannabis in the form of vaping, edibles, e-cigarettes, and tobacco.
(from Northern News Now)
