Smokers can continue to light up in front of stores and offices after the Milton board of health decided against setting up a 25-foot smoke-free buffer zone around business entryways Monday night. Board members said they supported the idea of a buffer zone, but that it would be nearly impossible to enforce. “Philosophically, we’re on board,” board Chairwoman Anne Fidler said. “It was really more of a compliance issue and how to enforce it.”
Fidler said that in East Milton Square and Lower Mills, the buffer would force smokers to either stand in the middle of the street or in front of residences to comply. Town meeting member and former Selectman Diane DiTullio Agostino, who advocated for the buffer, said it would make it possible for people who are sensitive to second-hand smoke to use local businesses more freely. “I’m still pushing for that,” she told the board members, referring to the buffer.
Agostino said she has a medical condition that makes it difficult for her to breathe around smoke, exhaust fumes and other irritants. While the board didn’t adopt tougher smoking regulations, Health Director Michael Blanchard said a townwide ban on smoking at outdoor seating areas at restaurants, coffee shops and cafés that the board passed in March is working well. The ban applies to about six establishments and requires them to have posted no-smoking signs near outdoor seats and to enforce the ban.
Businesses caught violating the ban can be fined $100 for a first offense and as much as $300 for a third or subsequent offense, but only if a member of the health department witnesses the violation.
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