Prince George County Parks and Rec Explains Compliance with New Law

From Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation:

A new Maryland law, effective June 30, 2016, requires the adoption of regulations that broadly prohibit smoking of lighted tobacco on property under the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s governance. The regulations will broaden the M-NCPPC’s prohibitions on smoking, use of e-cigarettes, and use of smokeless tobacco in enclosed facilities and vehicles, by expanding the restriction on smoking of lighted tobacco to all outdoor areas.

All smoking of lighted tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc.,) is prohibited in M-NCPPC parks and facility grounds located in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. The impact of this law is significant; the prohibition on smoking of lighted tobacco applies to all outdoor areas including parking areas, parks, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, maintenance yards, ball fields, outdoor pools, etc. Smoking areas will no longer be designated in these outdoor areas. Use of lighted tobacco is a violation of regulations required by state law and subject to fines.

The only exemption is the allowance of designated outdoor smoking areas at specifically designated, revenue-generating facilities such as rental venues.

In summary:

• Use of lighted tobacco is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor M-NCPPC facilities/venues and vehicles
• Use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is prohibited in all M-NCPPC enclosed facilities and vehicles. It may be restricted in certain outdoor areas, as designated by signage.

The new law addresses concerns related to second hand smoke and encourages healthy lifestyles. Not using tobacco products benefits the environment, and also benefits park visitors as well as M-NCPPC staff:

• Ability to play harder and breathe easier! It improves the air quality for those using our parks.

• It reduces the risk of fire.
• Helps the environment thrive! It reduces the impact of litter that harms wildlife, water supply systems and the soil.
• It may motivate residents to quit or reduce their use of tobacco products so they can spend more time walking, jogging, biking or doing yoga in our parks.

Questions regarding the policy may be directed to the M-NCPPC Policy Office at 301-454-1740. A number of resources are available to individuals who want to quit smoking, including Maryland’s 1-800 – Quit - Now.
Signage will be posted in all parks and facilities reminding patrons of the new regulations required by state law and that violations will be subject to fines.

The Department of Parks and Recreation provides comprehensive park and recreation programs, facilities and services which respond to changing needs within Prince George’s County communities. The Department strives to preserve, enhance and protect our open spaces to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations in a safe and secure environment.

For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit here and stay connected on Facebook and Twitter. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services.