Dexter aldermen discuss citywide smoking ban

DEXTER, Mo. -- An unnamed local organization has approached city administrator Mark Stidham about suggesting the board of aldermen pass a smoking ban.

The board, while not currently considering the proposal, did discuss the possibility at length during its Monday meeting.

"I was asked to share this information with the board, so that's what I'm doing," Stidham said. "It's up to you if you wish to act on it."

Aldermen voiced several concerns with the suggested smoking ban.

"I don't smoke, but I feel like whoever owns a business should be able to make that decision for themselves," said Alderman Jerry Corder.

Alderman Tim Aslin also voiced concerns about the possibility of imposing this type of regulation on local businesses.

"I really think these kinds of things are just an example of local government overstepping their bounds," Aslin said. "This should be left up to the individual business owners, not us."

Stidham said that at this point the board is simply trying to get a feel for public opinion on the issue.

Metcalf said they will be looking into possibilities.

Park director Lawson Metcalf said smoking is a problem he deals with regularly in his department. He said he often hears from parents and spectators who are upset regarding smoking in or around the bleachers during Little League Baseball and soccer games.

After posting that smoking was not allowed in the bleachers, problems have persisted with people smoking too near the bleachers and dugouts.

"It's something [the park board] will likely have to revisit this year," he said.

The aldermen suggested the possibility of designated smoking areas around the sports complex where people could still smoke, but at the same time, not do so near children and non-smoking spectators.

Pertinent address:

Dexter, MO