On Saturday mornings, when children file into ballet classes in downtown Jordan, the sidewalk is covered with cigarette butts.
"It's a mountain -- at noon," Jordan City Councilmember Jeremy Goebel said during a meeting tonight. "Who's in charge of cleaning up the cigarette butts?"
Since the statewide smoking ban went into effect this fall, smokers have been forced into their homes or outside. Bars and restaurants have been the loudest opponents of the smoking ban, and they seem to be the target of local officials, as well.
Those who work at or patronize the local bars have been dragging chairs onto the sidewalk, where they can puff freely, Councilmember David Hanson said.
Hanson and Goebel questioned if the city would allow some sort of ashtrays or other containers to collect the butts. Mayor Ron Jabs asked if the city staff would give the council its recommendation on the idea.
Jordan Police Chief Bob Malz said he'd send a letter to all of the
barowners, asking them to extend the courtesy of cleaning up after
their clients.
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As a bar owner/operator, I...
Back to page topAs a bar owner/operator, I feel that the responsibility of the cigarette butts is on the owner of the establishment and the smoker. If you (bar owner or manager) have the night door person, bartender or server sweep the Butts and empty the ash trays at the end of the night, you can usually be in good shape until later in the evening.
I don’t feel like it is the responsibility of the City to clean up after the people and the businesses. Maybe we can all pitch in and buy those businesses a broom to clean up after their selves. Technically, it is the responsibility for the smoker to dispose of their cigarette butt, it is garbage and if not disposed of properly it is littering. If this happens on your property it is your responsibility to clean it up, if you are unable to make the commitment you should not allow smoking on your premises, if it happens in front of your neighbor and you know that it is your guests, you should clean it up.
...how about including in...
Back to page top...how about including in that letter the fact that those smokers could be ticketed for littering. Last time I checked, throwing garbage on the ground is littering.
I appreciate GeneralStads...
Back to page topI appreciate GeneralStads bringing up the littering aspect. Too many times I'll be driving along and see someone throw their cigarette out the window. My car has even been hit by one before. Some smokers need to stop using the rest of the world as an ashtray.