Nevada City is looking to toughen up its anti-smoking ordinance. Since 2012, it has been illegal to smoke on the streets in the City’s Historical District, but enforcement of the ordinance has been difficult. Nevada City Police Officer Shane Frannsen told the City Council at its meeting last night, that he patrols the area when he can, but it depends on how busy he is…
Frannsen says he only wriites citations to people he has repeatedly warned in the past, and that tourists who are unaware of the ordinance usually comply right away. Frannsen says there are some, though, who just flat out refuse to comply…
The fine is 175 dollars, which goes up to 300 if not paid in a certain time. City staff and the city council will be looking at tougher penalties, including making so many offenses a misdemeanor. Better signage including decals on parking meters and signs in store windows, a designated smoking area, and “deputizing” other city employees to write citations, are other things the council will be looking into.
Don Baumgart
Raising the penalty on a law they haven't the person power to enforce in the first place? Disconnect.