According to a report from the Associated Press, the capital of Rhode Island is considering a ban on smoking in the downtown area. The smoking ban that Providence is proposing would be the most wide-reaching ban to date in the United States.
The proposed ban would apply to non-enclosed sidewalks and other pedestrian areas including alleys accessible to the public anywhere in downtown Providence. Smoking would only be allowed in private residences and vehicles.
According to the city council who is considering the ban, the ordinance was official submitted at the request of downtown property owned who have been receiving complaints about smokers loitering in front of businesses.
Developer and former Mayor Joseph Paolino-Democrat, who owns several buildings in downtown Providence, says the ban was his idea.
