It has been an interesting journey for a new smoking ban in Claremont, N.H., having been called ‘overkill‘ when it was first brought up in June, to a revised proposal that quickly gained traction in August before being passed last night and implemented today. The Claremont City Council voted 9-0 in favor of the revised ordinance at its meeting on Wednesday night, which included a provision that it would go into effect immediately, meaning smokers woke up to a new set of rules this morning. The ordinance covers the city’s seven parks, splitting them into two groups with separate restrictions on each. At one group, smoking will only be permitted in designated areas, while at the other, smoking is prohibited during all city sanctioned events, but will be allowed at other times. Violators of the new law face penalties of $50.00 for the first offense, $100.00 for the second offense, and $200.00 for the third offense, as well as removal from the park or facility. Claremont is home to just over 13,000 residents.
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