City to vet smoking rules near businesses, in Bidwell Park

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Smokers might have fewer places to light up if the Chico mayor and the American Lung Association have their way.
The Chico City Council voted unanimously Sept. 20 to pass on the smoking issue to the Internal Affairs Committee for vetting.
A letter from the American Lung Association asked Mayor Ann Schwab that the council consider prohibiting smoking in Bidwell Park, within 25 feet of business entryways and in outdoor dining and bar areas.
Schwab said in order to create consistency with the Chico Area Recreation District prohibiting smoking in neighborhood parks, she thinks the council should consider doing the same for Bidwell.
"I walk in the park most mornings. I always pick up cigarette butts. I walked on Sunday. I picked them all up. And I walked on Monday and I found all of these," Schwab said holding up a baggy full of cigarette butts.
"It's a litter problem. It's a hazard for potential wildfires. To me it's a big problem."
Though government buildings already have restrictions banning smoking within 25 feet of entryways, Schwab said she thinks the council should look at restrictions outside businesses.
The issue could appear on the Oct. 11 agenda for the Internal Affairs Committee, which has yet to be finalized.