Illinois: Metropolis Bans Smoking & Vaping in City Parks
New Ordinance Cites Environmental Concerns and Fire Risks; Fines Up to $100
The Metropolis City Council has officially approved an ordinance banning smoking and vaping in all city parks and recreation areas. The decision, finalized during the council’s meeting on Monday, November 24, takes immediate effect. The council cited significant environmental concerns, including litter from cigarette butts and vaping materials, as well as increased fire risks, as the primary motivations for the ban.
The new ordinance provides comprehensive definitions to ensure clarity. “Smoking” covers the inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying of any lighted or heated tobacco or plant product, including cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and hookahs. “Vaping” is defined as the use of any electronic device, such as e-cigarettes or vape pens, that delivers nicotine or other substances via inhalation. The ban applies to all property owned, leased, or operated by the city for public recreation. This extensive list includes playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, picnic shelters, the city pool, splash park, and even associated parking lots and structures.
Enforcement will be handled by the Metropolis Police Department, the Parks Department, and other authorized city officials. Violators face fines ranging from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $100 for each offense, with each day of continued violation constituting a separate offense.
The ban was recommended by the council’s Parks & Recreation Committee and initially approved on November 10. Mayor Greg Jeffords emphasized the importance of the city’s parks as a showcase for Metropolis, stating, “One of the best ways is to make them as attractive to families and visitors as possible.” This move aligns with efforts to create cleaner, safer, and more family-friendly public spaces.
In addition to the smoking ban, the council addressed other city business, including approving the purchase of a dump truck and an injection fuel pump for the fire department, adopting a tax levy ordinance totaling $769,472, and approving several redevelopment agreements funded by Market Street and Riverfront TIFs. The council also proclaimed December 3 as Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Day, celebrating the auxiliary’s upcoming 70th anniversary.
- South Korea Escalates Tobacco Warnings with Blunt, Fatalistic Labels - June 22, 2026
- Magnolia Commissioner Proposes Ordinance to Ban Vape Shops - June 22, 2026
- Belarus Moves to Ban Vape and E-Cigarette Advertising Under New Bill - June 22, 2026
Related posts:
Monroe County, Florida Bans Smoking on Beaches and in Parks
Washington Failed in Flavored Vape Ban & Cigarette Tax Hike
Panama City Beach Considers Banning Cigarette Smoking and Vaping
Miami Beach Bans Cigarette Smoking at Beaches and Parks
West Virginia Passes Bill Banning Smoking in Cars with Children Under 16
