Rockville Council Considers Park Smoking Ban

ROCKVILLE, Md. (WUSA) -- Rockville's Mayor and Council are considering a proposal to ban smoking on playgrounds at 37 city-owned parks.

They're taking action after getting complaints from parents and babysitters who say people have been lighting up near their kids.

If it's approved, signs would be posted telling smokers to stay back at least 40 feet from the playground. Since it's not a law, but a policy, there no penalty for violating it.

Rockville's Recreation and Park Director Burt Hall says they really just want smokers to be mindful of children when they light up.

"It's really a no-brainer, and I expect the council to approve it," Hall says. "Who wouldn't want to protect kids from secondhand smoke if they could?"

The measure would take effect immediately if the Mayor and Council approve it.

Private playgrounds in the city would not be effected by the ban.