Smoking Ban will protect the Health of Children
Smoking a single cigarette on borough property in Wernersville, a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States, could cost the smoker that violated the new legislation the price of a whole carton, if of course the smoker is under 18 years old.
Wernersville Borough Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to ban minors from possessing or using tobacco products on borough property.
Police Chief Scott L. Wagner said that violators will face a $50 fine.
Wernersville is the third Berks County municipality to restrict smoking by minors.
Robesonia in 2003 was the first in Pennsylvania to pass such an ordinance. Amity Township followed with a similar ban.
According to a study, only Pennsylvania prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors. And the Wernersville ban is intended to protect the health of children by restricting tobacco use too.
"It stunts their growth," council President Steven H. Price added.
The new ban is also intended to cut down on litter from teens’ cigarettes.The ordinance was prompted by teens smoking at the borough playground, Price said.
Council on Wednesday also approved Caron Treatment Center’s preliminary plan to convert the Wertz Lawn and Garden Center and Feed Mill on Werner Street into executive offices and a training center.
Members also authorized spending $1,500 for the borough’s share of legal expenses for the planned Western Berks Fire Task Force merger of the volunteer fire companies serving Wernersville and Sinking Spring and Lower and South Heidelberg townships.
