Barre, Vermont, city councilors are backing down from a bill to create a smoke-free downtown.
The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus reports city council did not have enough votes to pass the year-round ban on smoking. Mayor Thomas Lauzon says he was unwilling to cast a tie-breaking vote.
Lauzon says enforcing a ban that covers both streets and sidewalks ``would prove problematic.''
Instead, Councilor Lucas Herring says he is working on a new proposal to temporarily ban smoking in areas during special events. He is also proposing a 25 feet smoke-free buffer zone around parks and playgrounds. Penalties would be adjusted for those found in violation of the ban.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
