While smoking hasn’t been welcomed at beaches in the town of Georgia, Vt. for some time, it was never against the law to light up, simply a bit of defiance to signs that had been posted. That defiance is a thing of the past, however, and is now a violation of a town ordinance that could cost smokers upwards of $199 for lighting up on property in the Town of Georgia Municipal Recreation Area. At the July 28 Town of Georgia Select Board meeting, the board adopted an ordinance that officially made smoking at the town’s beach illegal, including fines for those in violation that start at $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second offense and $199 for third and subsequent violations. Enforcement won’t begin until September 28, which provides for a public comment period on the matter and could result in a full town vote on the matter if at least five percent of the legal voters of the town submit a petition requesting a vote. According to the town’s website, if such a petition is received, the Selectboard must warn a special Town Meeting to vote on this proposed ordinance within 60 days. Georgia is home to approximately ...
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