West Pittston Update
West Pittston Proposes Teen Smoking Ban
August 31, 2007
Sarah Buynovsky
The days of youngsters lighting up in one Luzerne County borough may be numbered. West Pittston is poised to pass a law that would keep anyone under the age of 18 from smoking in public. The mayor said it’s all about keeping kids safe and smoke-free.
On Tuesday, borough council is expected to pass a ban on smoking for anyone under the age of 18.
“It’s just been a pet peeve of mine that these kids, our children, our grandchildren get hooked on tobacco products,” said Mayor Bill Goldsworthy. He got the idea for the ban after his own father died of cancer after years of smoking.
Under the West Pittston law, minors would not be allowed to smoke or posses tobacco products in public places in the borough, including alleys, streets and sidewalks.
Art Spindler started smoking when he was seven years old and thinks the proposed West Pittston ban is a good idea.? “Should be, to keep the young people from smoking,” he said.
“I think it’s a great idea. I think too many kids see older kids smoking and they pick up the habits,” said Maria Parra of Wyoming.
West Pittston’s mayor said he’s already talked to other local mayors and school officials to have them consider the ordinance too.
“I would like to see it effective starting at least in all of the Wyoming Area School District. I have approached the mayors in the school district and they are proposing it to their councils,” GOldsworthy added.
Not everyone supports the idea.
“That’s not right cause they should have a right to do whatever they want,” said Justin Harrison of Wyoming.
“I think if kids want to ruin their life doing it, let them. It’s their choice. Yeah, they’re going to do it anyway,” said Trish Lako of West Pittston.
If the law is passed and a minor is caught with tobacco, he or she would be subject to a fine of up to $100.
