HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 04/08/2014 - SMOKING ORDINANCE EXPANSION OPTIONSDATE:
STAFF:
April 8, 2014
Beth Sowder, Neighborhood Services Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Smoking Ordinance Expansion Options.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this work session is to discuss potential options to expand the smoking regulations in Fort Collins.
City Council indicated a desire to look into further expanding the City’s smoking regulations at the Council Work
Session on August 13, 2013. This item provides background information, community feedback, and information
about actions taken in other communities. The additional smoking regulations to be discussed include restrictions
related to:
1. Electronic Smoking Devices
2. 100% Hotel/Motel Rooms
3. Natural Areas, Parks, & Trails
4. Public Events & Festivals
5. Old Town or Downtown Area.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What additional smoking regulations, if any, would Council like to formally consider?
2. If Council would like to formally consider additional smoking regulations, what time frame would be
appropriate?
3. What additional information is needed?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
History
In 1984, Fort Collins was the first city in Colorado to pass a comprehensive smoking ordinance. The ordinance
limited smoking in public buildings and required restaurants to have no-smoking sections. It was passed by City
Council, and then placed onto the ballot by referendum led by the tobacco industry in an interest to overturn it.
The voters affirmed the Council decision by voting to support the ordinance. In 2003, Fort Collins was one of the
first communities in Colorado to designate bars, restaurants, and workplaces as smoke-free. In 2006, the Fort
Collins’ Smoking Ordinance was amended to conform to the Colorado Indoor Clean Air Act which helped the
community regulate smoking in all indoor public places. In 2013, Fort Collins expanded the smoking ordinance to
prohibit smoking in outdoor dining areas, bar patios, and Transfort’s public transit facilities.
During the City Council August 13, 2013 Work Session regarding the expanded smoking regulations, Council also
directed staff to explore additional smoking restrictions including:
1. Electronic Smoking Devices
2. 100% Hotel/Motel Rooms
3. Natural Areas, Parks, and Trails
4. Public Events and Festivals
5. Old Town or Downtown Area
April 8, 2014 Page 2
Secondhand smoke exposure is proven to be harmful at any level, including in outdoor areas that are next to
buildings or have a high density of tobacco users. As a result, many cities have taken steps to protect their
residents, especially children or those with chronic diseases, from the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure by
creating smoke-free zones, especially in high-use outdoor areas such as playgrounds, parks, trails, downtowns,
or at public events.
In areas where people gather for recreation or a healthy activity, breathing tobacco smoke can be an unexpected
nuisance. A 2013 Colorado Tobacco Attitudes and Behavior survey found that more than half (56%) of persons
surveyed reported “putting up with someone smoking around them”, with the biggest annoyance experienced in
public parks. Tobacco butts are toxic and can be poisonous to small children or animals if consumed. Smoke-
free areas often reduce the amount of litter that is present, improving the appearance of local parks and reducing
clean up time and costs.
Fort Collins is known as a healthy community. Creating smoke-free areas generally result in a reduction of
tobacco use and improved community health. The City of Fort Collins has received many honors and awards,
including awards related to being a healthy community. In 2013, Fort Collins was named the 4th Healthiest Mid-
Size City in the U.S. by the Gallup-Healthways Survey. Tobacco rates are considered when overall health ratings
of a community are determined, and healthy community designations provide economic appeal and community
attractiveness.
The City staff team (including Parks, Recreation, Natural Areas, Police, City Attorney’s Office, and Environmental
Services) discussed the smoking ordinance expansion options, researched other communities’ smoking
regulations, and discussed how enforcement would work.
Additionally, the City of Fort Collins launched an informal on-line survey to gauge the communities’ current
experiences and level of interest in expanding smoking regulations in specific areas. More than 2,100 responses
were received. (Attachment 1).
1. Electronic Smoking Devices
Currently, electronic smoking devices are not regulated within the city. If City Council chooses to regulate
electronic smoking devices, it could be added to the City’s current smoking ordinance, which would ban their use
from all areas where smoking is prohibited. This would include all bars, restaurants, workplaces, outdoor dining
areas, bar patios, and transit facilities.
Electronic cigarettes or vaporizers are devices that vaporize and deliver to the lungs of the user a chemical
mixture composed of nicotine, propylene glycol and other chemicals. Some e-devices are offered without
nicotine, and some are offered in flavors that can be attractive to youth (candy or fruit flavors). When users
inhale, a battery operated vaporizer heats a liquid solution into a vapor. E-devices are also being used with highly
concentrated marijuana oil or wax, and may provide a discreet way of using marijuana in public settings.
The vapor from these devices may look like smoke from a conventional cigarette, which can confuse or weaken
current smoking regulations.
The FDA has not regulated electronic smoking devices nor declared them as an effective cessation product. E-
cigarette packaging is not required to include health warnings or ingredient labels. Some are advertised as
smoking cessation tools despite a lack of credible evidence that they are effective quit smoking aids. The FDA
recommends that people seeking to quit smoking should use FDA-approved quit smoking aids. It is expected that
regulations on e-cigarettes will come from the FDA in 2014.
A recent study published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research found that e-cigarettes are a source of
secondhand exposure to nicotine and other chemicals which could be harmful to bystanders. However, e-
cigarette supporters caution that there is not enough available information about the health effects to draw
conclusions.
April 8, 2014 Page 3
While Colorado currently does not have state regulations for electronic smoking devices, several other state and
local governments have decided to regulate e-cigarette use:
Oklahoma - banned the use of e-cigarettes on state-owned property
Los Angeles and San Francisco - City Council and San Francisco Board of Supervisory - voted to ban e-
cigarettes from restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and outdoor areas where tobacco smoking is generally
restricted (parks, beaches, farmers markets, recreational areas, and outdoor dining spaces)
New York and Chicago - City Council extended the city’s ban on smoking in public places to include e-
cigarettes
Utah, New Jersey, and North Dakota - passed legislation prohibiting e-cigarettes wherever regular
smoking is banned
Nationally, 108 municipalities include e-cigarettes in their local smoking ordinances - including Durango,
CO.
The Fort Collins smoking survey asked: Do you think electronic smoking devices should be regulated in the same
manner as regular tobacco smoking products? The results show:
Yes 48%
No 30%
No Opinion 22%
2. 100% Hotel/Motel Rooms
The current Fort Collins Smoking Ordinance aligns with the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, requiring at least 75%
of hotel or motel rooms to be no smoking rooms. Additionally, the City’s smoking ordinance prohibits smoking
within 20 feet of any entryway. City Council could choose to require that 100% of hotel/motel rooms be smoke-
free. The primary benefit of this requirement would be to protect hospitality industry workers who may have
considerable exposure.
In 2006, the U.S. Surgeon General’s report determined there was no risk-free level of secondhand smoke. The
2014 Surgeon General’s report expanded the list of diseases and adverse health effects caused by secondhand
smoke and, for the first time, linked secondhand smoke exposure to strokes in adults. Tobacco smoke exposure
is especially dangerous for the health of children, pregnant women, and persons with chronic diseases who might
visit local hotels/motels as well as hospitality industry workers who may have considerable exposure during work.
Of recent concern is third-hand smoke, the tobacco residue from cigarettes, cigars, and other combustible
tobacco products that is left behind after smoking and built up on surfaces and furnishings. These sticky, highly
toxic particulates, like nicotine, can cling to walls and ceilings and be absorbed into carpets, draperies, and other
upholsteries. Nicotine remains on surfaces for days and weeks, so carcinogens continue to be created over time,
which are then inhaled, absorbed, or ingested. Though the effects of third-hand smoke are not yet clear, a 2013
study in hotels found that when a hotel allows smoking in any of its rooms, the smoke gets into all of its rooms.
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment conducted a survey of hotel/motel owners within Loveland
and Fort Collins city limits in order to assess how many allowed smoking in their rooms. The results included:
20 business owners were surveyed and 15 (75%) indicated that they do not allow smoking in any rooms
of their hotel/motel. This same percentage said that an expansion to a 100% smoke-free policy would
have no impact or a positive impact on their business.
16 (80%) said that the Fort Collins Smoking Ordinance that was implemented in 2003 had no impact or a
positive impact on their business.
Economy motels that were booked for short term residential purposes were more likely to allow smoking
and less likely to be 100% smoke-free.
One hotel with frequent international visitors perceived higher customer demand for smoking rooms.
April 8, 2014 Page 4
Nationally, the following have 100% smoke-free hotel/motel room policies:
93 municipalities (none in Colorado)
5 states (Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin)
Many large chains hotels (including Marriott, Westin, and Comfort Inn)
The Fort Collins smoking survey asked: Do you think 100% of hotel/motel rooms in the City of Fort Collins should
be smoke-free? The results show:
Yes 56%
No 34%
No Opinion 10%
3. Natural Areas, Parks, and Trails
Currently, the City's smoking ordinance does not apply to Natural Areas, parks, or trails. If Council chooses to
regulate smoking in these outdoor areas, staff recommends considering specific locations within parks, trails, and
Natural Areas.
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department and staff support the adoption of a citywide policy or expanded
smoking ordinance to prohibit smoking specific to natural area properties for the following reasons:
1. Public safety/structure protection in the event of a wildfire resulting from the use of lighted smoking
paraphernalia in natural areas.
2. Natural Resource protection which requires a heightened attention to non-irrigated, minimally landscaped
areas which are sensitive to habitat-changing fires.
3. Public support for natural areas being places of refuge from toxic substances.
4. Reduction of litter which remains in a non-biodegradable state.
5. Natural Areas could easily be zoned and posted as non-smoking areas with a high rate of voluntary
compliance.
The smoking survey indicated that 80% of respondents strongly or somewhat support new regulations prohibiting
smoking in Natural Areas.
When considering expanding smoking regulations to parks and trails, most respondents strongly or somewhat
support new regulations prohibiting smoking within specific area of parks. Based on the survey responses as well
as staff observations, it appears that the highest priorities are certain areas within Parks (parking lots, shelters,
seating, fields/courts, and playgrounds). If Council chooses to expand the smoking ordinance to certain areas
within parks, Parks and Recreation staff recommends exempting golf courses (excluding clubhouses and decks)
because of the impact to the golfing public, the low impact to other customers, and the potential impact to golf
enterprise fund.
One of the survey questions asked: How strongly would you support new regulations prohibiting smoking in the
following outdoor areas (percent responding somewhat or strongly support)?
Playgrounds 85%
Bleachers/Sporting Event Seating 82%
Park Shelters 81%
Athletic Fields/Courts 80%
Trails 80%
Skate Parks 75%
Dog Parks 74%
Parks Parking Lots 72%
Golf Courses 70%
There are many examples both nationally and locally of municipalities that have enacted smoking regulations in
April 8, 2014 Page 5
these outdoor areas. (Attachment 2) When looking at other communities’ smoking regulations, there are three
primary options for developing smoke-free outdoor public areas including:
1. Make all parks/recreation areas and public events smoke-free (with no designated smoking areas) -
Colorado examples include: Avon, Winter Park, Arvada, Edgewater, Brighton, and Greeley (if area is
defined as a public place).
2. Make all parks/recreation areas and public events smoke-free and allow or establish designated smoking
areas - Colorado example includes Centennial.
3. Make some parks/recreation areas and public events smoke-free - this includes activities that are
primarily family-oriented. Colorado examples include: Golden, Lakewood, Timnath, Grand Junction,
Steamboat Springs, Durango, Commerce City, and Denver.
Outdoor areas, by their nature, have places that are more likely to impact people and other areas that are more
open and are less likely to be bothersome. When considering the creation of smoke-free zones, the potential
areas that would likely impact more people could include:
All enclosed or partially enclosed areas
Areas where staff or volunteers are working
Areas with fixed seating
Areas where food or drink are served
Playgrounds/children-focused areas
Main thoroughfares.
Additionally, there are some important factors to consider if designated smoking areas are allowed, including:
Developing areas away from main thoroughfares
Developing clear signage
Clearly communicating a designated location
Not allowing children in the area
Clearly identifying whether it is a temporary location (e.g., for public events).
If smoking is prohibited in certain outdoor areas, additional outreach, signage, and prevention resources may be
needed to address high tobacco use behaviors in certain recreation areas or public events. Current examples of
concentrated smoking areas include: parks near high schools, certain parts of Old Town frequented by youth,
parks where transient populations gather, and some special events such as concerts and festivals attended by
young adults.
The smoking survey also asked how often people are currently impacted by secondhand smoke or notice
cigarette litter in the following locations (percentage that answered somewhat often, often, or very often):
Secondhand Smoke Cigarette Litter
Old Town/Downtown 75% 79%
Public Events 70% 75%
Parks Parking Lots 41% 63%
Park Shelters 31% 53%
Bleachers/Sports Seating 29% 44%
Athletic Fields/Courts 25% 36%
Playgrounds 24% 38%
Natural Areas 20% 30%
Trails 20% 32%
Skate Parks 13% 22%
Dog Parks 14% 23%
Golf Courses 12% 17%
April 8, 2014 Page 6
4. Public Events
Currently, the smoking ordinance does not apply to public events. The smoking survey indicates that 80% of
respondents strongly or somewhat support new regulations prohibiting smoking at public events/festivals. If
Council chooses to regulate smoking at public events, staff recommends considering the options mentioned
above.
Feedback from those hosting Public Events
Staff met with event promoters that host some of the larger public events (New West Fest, Taste of Fort Collins,
and Tour de Fat) to discuss their needs, concerns, and questions regarding potential smoke-free public events.
While they agreed that smoke-free events may be appreciated by many of their patrons, they also believe that
some patrons would not be supportive. Some of their concerns include:
Patrons would have to exit the event area unless there was a designated smoking area within the event
Public Relations
Possible loss of patrons if they can’t smoke at the event
Enforcement
Potential issues with the crews and talent (set-up and tear-down)
If non-smoking events were required, the event organizers agreed that it would be helpful for them to promote and
regulate if:
There was signage in the park indicating no-smoking
Information was provided by the City that they could give to their patrons, post on their website and social
media
They could show that it’s a City requirement (not the event organizer requirement)
Designated smoking areas were allowed, so the smokers had a reasonable place to go
5. Old Town/Downtown
Currently, the smoking ordinance only applies to outdoor areas within the Old Town/Downtown area on outdoor
dining areas, bar patios, and 20 feet from patios and entrances. The smoking survey indicates that 79% of
respondents strongly or somewhat support new regulations prohibiting smoking in the Old Town/Downtown area.
Staff spoke with representatives from Boulder because the City of Boulder enacted a smoking ban on the Pearl
Street Mall in 2013, and staff wanted to learn what has or has not worked well for them. In discussions with
Boulder, the following elements of success were highlighted:
Significant outreach and education leading up to implementation (personal contact)
Signage is extremely important
Work with businesses to be role models
Must have clear, understandable boundaries (See Attachment #4)
Enforcement from Code Compliance and Police Mall Officers
Start with warnings, then citations with fines that are substantial ($100)
o Since enforcement began in 2013, they have issued 92 tickets
27 paid fines (totaling $2,700)
Only 1 was issued to a juvenile
Only 3 cases were dismissed
Many referred to collections for failure to appear
Based on conversations with Boulder, it is important to identify an area with clear boundaries when considering
implementing a downtown smoking ban. Old Town Square could be a potential area to consider since it is
primarily a pedestrian area with clear boundaries (Attachment 3). The larger Downtown District might be more
April 8, 2014 Page 7
challenging to identify clear boundaries. A smoking ban in this area could be effective all the time or could apply
only during certain hours when families are more likely to be present.
The smoking survey asked the general question about whether people would support smoking regulations in Old
Town/Downtown (79% support as mentioned above). Additionally, the survey asked: Would you support
restricting smoking in Old Town/Downtown areas during specified hours such as between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.?
The response was:
Yes 69%
No 24%
No Opinion 7%
Enforcement
Other municipalities have found that people generally voluntarily comply when informed and given an opportunity
and staff anticipates this would be true in Fort Collins, as well. Fort Collins is fortunate to have organizations that
support smoke-free public policies (including Tobacco Free Larimer County and the Youth Coalition) that the City
could partner with for education and related public health information assistance. Staff believes that a significant
amount of time and some resources, primarily for signage and messaging, will be needed for education and
outreach prior to implementation of enforcement.
Based on information obtained from other communities and experience here in Fort Collins, staff recommends a
tiered approach for enforcing any new code changes emphasizing education and voluntary compliance.
Education, promotion, signs, and messaging would be the first step to ensuring awareness of any new
expansions to the smoking regulations. Awareness and signage leads to the ability of people to point to a sign or
use peer-enforcement as a way to further gain compliance. As with other current enforcement practices,
complaints would be responded to by the appropriate staff (Natural Areas Rangers, Parks Rangers, other city
staff, or event organizers), and Police would only be contacted if compliance was not reached through other
methods.
Additional Survey Information
Youth Coalition (Attachment 5)
The Youth Coalition conducted a “Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey” in March that had 228 respondents. The
respondents were primarily between the ages of 14 and 19 years old.
Below represents the percentage of respondents who agree or strongly agree with the following statements:
- Children being exposed to secondhand smoke in parks/playgrounds is a problem 87%
- Cigarette butt litter in parks/playgrounds is a problem 86%
- Teens using tobacco in parks/playgrounds near my school is a problem 80%
- I think tobacco use should be prohibited in parks/playgrounds 78%
Another question asked: If Fort Collins were to ban smoking and tobacco use in outdoor areas, which outdoor
areas should be tobacco free (pick as many as you think)?
Playgrounds 87%
Natural Areas 80%
Bleachers/Seating Areas 72%
Athletic Fields 68%
Park Shelters 68%
Dog Parks 68%
Trails 63%
Public Events 55%
Old Town/Downtown 39%
April 8, 2014 Page 8
Skate Parks 37%
Parking lots 27%
Health District of Northern Larimer County (Attachment 6)
The Health District of Northern Larimer County recently conducted the 2013 Community Health Survey. Every
three years this survey is conducted to collect data on a variety of health conditions and behaviors, healthcare
affordability and coverage, access to healthcare and need for various services. A total of 2,819 surveys were
returned from adult residents of Larimer County, with an estimated response rate of about 40%. The data for the
following question regarding smoking is for 1,599 surveys returned by respondents with a Fort Collins zip code.
In the survey, respondents were asked several questions about their tobacco use and, at the request of local
health policy experts, about policies regarding the sale and use of tobacco. One question that was included in the
survey was: “Would you favor or oppose policies that would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as
restaurant patios, recreation areas, or playgrounds?”
Of Fort Collins residents, 74% “strongly” or “somewhat” favor a policy that would prohibit smoking in outdoor
public areas.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fort Collins Smoking Survey 2014 (PDF)
2. Smoke-Free Outdoor Recreation Areas, Downtowns, Events in Colorado Matrix (PDF)
3. Maps of Old Town Square and Downtown District (PDF)
4. Boulder Courtesy Cards (PDF)
5. Youth Coalition Survey (PDF)
6. Health District of Northern Larimer County Survey (PDF)
7. Powerpoint presentation (PDF)
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
1 / 17
0% 0
3.95% 9
0.44% 1
44.74% 102
50.44% 115
0.44% 1
Q1 What school do you attend?
Answered: 228 Skipped: 0
Total 228
Centennial
High School
Fort Collins
High School
Fossil Ridge
High School
Poudre High
School
Rocky Mountain
High School
Other
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
Centennial High School
Fort Collins High School
Fossil Ridge High School
Poudre High School
Rocky Mountain High School
Other
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
2 / 17
0% 0
0% 0
9.65% 22
22.37% 51
26.32% 60
28.95% 66
10.53% 24
2.19% 5
Q2 What is your age?
Answered: 228 Skipped: 0
Total 228
12 or younger
13
14
15
16
17
18
19 or older
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
12 or younger
13
14
15
16
17
18
19 or older
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
3 / 17
Q3 In general, how big of a problem do you
think each of the following issues is in our
community?
Answered: 228 Skipped: 0
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
4 / 17
51.10%
116
44.93%
102
2.20%
5
1.76%
4
227
45.81% 46.70% 6.61% 0.88%
Major problem Minor problem Not a problem I don't know
Tobacco Use
Secondhand
smoke
Cigarette
litter
Tobacco
company...
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Major problem Minor problem Not a problem I don't know Total
Tobacco Use
Secondhand smoke
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
5 / 17
45.81%
104
46.70%
106
6.61%
15
0.88%
2
227
50.88%
115
38.05%
86
9.29%
21
1.77%
4
226
36.61%
82
41.96%
94
15.63%
35
5.80%
13
224
Secondhand smoke
Cigarette litter
Tobacco company marketing
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
6 / 17
8.89% 20
32.44% 73
41.33% 93
9.78% 22
7.56% 17
Q4 How often do you or someone from
your family visit a public park or
playground?
Answered: 225 Skipped: 3
Total 225
Once a day
Once a week
Once a month
Once a year
Never
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
Once a day
Once a week
Once a month
Once a year
Never
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
7 / 17
8.93% 20
35.71% 80
34.38% 77
12.05% 27
8.93% 20
Q5 In the past, how often have you seen or
been exposed to other teens using
tobacco at parks or playgrounds?
Answered: 224 Skipped: 4
Total 224
Always
Often
Sometimes
Occasionally
Never
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
Always
Often
Sometimes
Occasionally
Never
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
8 / 17
11.21% 25
35.87% 80
28.70% 64
17.94% 40
6.28% 14
Q6 In the past, how often have you seen or
been exposed to adults using tobacco at
parks or playgrounds?
Answered: 223 Skipped: 5
Total 223
Always
Often
Sometimes
Occasionally
Never
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
Always
Often
Sometimes
Occasionally
Never
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
9 / 17
Q7 How much do you agree with the
following statements?
Answered: 226 Skipped: 2
Children being
exposed to...
Cigarette butt
litter in...
Teens using
tobacco in...
I think
tobacco use...
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
10 / 17
56.64%
128
30.53%
69
8.85%
20
2.21%
5
1.77%
4
226
46.90%
106
38.94%
88
10.62%
24
2.65%
6
0.88%
2
226
43.75%
98
36.16%
81
11.61%
26
7.59%
17
0.89%
2
224
51.56%
116
26.22%
59
13.33%
30
6.22%
14
2.67%
6
225
Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree Strongly Disagree
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Strongly
Agree
Agree Not
Sure
Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Total
Children being exposed to secondhand smoke and tobacco in
parks/playgrounds is a problem
Cigarette butt litter in parks/playgrounds is a problem
Teens using tobacco in parks/playgrounds near my school is a
problem
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
11 / 17
87.39% 194
63.06% 140
54.95% 122
39.19% 87
72.07% 160
68.47% 152
36.94% 82
Q8 If Fort Collins were to ban smoking and
tobacco use in outdoor areas, which
outdoor areas should be tobacco free?
Check as many as you think.
Answered: 222 Skipped: 6
Playgrounds
Trails
Public
Events/Festi...
Old
Town/Downtow...
Bleachers/Sport
ing event...
Athletic fields
Skate parks
Shelters/Picnic
areas
Parking lots
Dog parks
Natural areas
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
Playgrounds
Trails
Public Events/Festivals (like New West Fest)
Old Town/Downtown areas
Bleachers/Sporting event seating areas
Athletic fields
Skate parks
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
12 / 17
68.02% 151
26.58% 59
68.92% 153
80.63% 179
Total Respondents: 222
Shelters/Picnic areas
Parking lots
Dog parks
Natural areas
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
13 / 17
69.82% 155
17.12% 38
4.95% 11
8.11% 18
Q9 Please describe your level of tobacco
use.
Answered: 222 Skipped: 6
Total 222
I have never
used tobacco
I have tried
tobacco
I currently
use tobacco
I have used
tobacco in t...
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
I have never used tobacco
I have tried tobacco
I currently use tobacco
I have used tobacco in the past, but quit
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
14 / 17
Q10 Please describe your current level of
knowledge in the following areas:
Answered: 223 Skipped: 5
Excellent Good Average Poor
Health risks
of tobacco
Health risks
of secondhan...
How tobacco
companies...
Environmental
effects of...
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
15 / 17
42.60%
95
40.81%
91
13.90%
31
2.69%
6
223
35.59%
79
39.19%
87
21.17%
47
4.05%
9
222
29.28%
65
34.68%
77
24.32%
54
11.71%
26
222
26.91%
60
36.77%
82
27.80%
62
8.52%
19
223
Excellent Good Average Poor Total
Health risks of tobacco
Health risks of secondhand smoke
How tobacco companies market to children and teens
Environmental effects of tobacco use and cigarette litter
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
16 / 17
12.16% 27
33.33% 74
33.78% 75
18.92% 42
1.80% 4
Q11 How many teens (<18 years) do you
think smoke or use tobacco in Larimer
County?
Answered: 222 Skipped: 6
Total 222
Less than 20%
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80% or more
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
Less than 20%
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80% or more
Fort Collins Youth Tobacco Survey
17 / 17
4.50% 10
28.83% 64
38.74% 86
21.17% 47
6.76% 15
Q12 How many adults (>18 years) do you
think smoke or use tobacco in Larimer
County?
Answered: 222 Skipped: 6
Total 222
Less than 20%
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80% or more
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Answer Choices Responses
Less than 20%
20-40%
40-60%
60-80%
80% or more
March 2014
1
Level of Support for a Policy to Prohibit Smoking in Outdoor Public Areas
Fort Collins Respondents to the 2013 Larimer County Health Survey
The Community Health Survey
Every three years the Health District of Northern Larimer County (the Health District) conducts a community
health survey of adults living in Larimer County Colorado. The most recent survey was conducted in late
2013. The 2013 community health survey was a written, 16-page, 83-question survey designed to collect
data on a variety of health conditions and behaviors, healthcare affordability and coverage, access to
healthcare and need for various services. A total of 2,819 surveys were returned from adult residents of
Larimer County, with an estimated response rate of about 40%. The data in this report is for 1,599 surveys
returned by respondents with a Fort Collins zip code (80521-80528). More information about the survey is
provided on page 4 of this report.
Summary
In the 2013 Community Health Survey conducted by the Health District, respondents were asked several
questions about their tobacco use and, at the request of local health policy experts, about policies regarding
the sale and use of tobacco. One question that was included in the survey was: “Would you favor or oppose
policies that would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as restaurant patios, recreation areas or
playgrounds?” Respondents could answer on a five-point scale ranging from “strongly favor” to “strongly
oppose.” Tables for all data are included in the appendix.
Of Fort Collins residents, 74% “strongly” or “somewhat” favor a policy that would prohibit smoking in
outdoor public areas. Support is fairly evenly distributed across age groups although males are more likely to
oppose the policy as females.
Support for this policy is associated with current smoking status. Twelve percent of survey respondents, or
173 people, reported using cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or pipes (including hookah) on some days or every
day. Among the current smokers, 39% are in favor of the outdoor smoking restriction policy and 45%
oppose. This compares with non-smokers, 79% of whom support the policy and 13% oppose it.
A more detailed look at the results by age, gender and smoking status follows.
Support for Prohibiting Smoking in Outdoor Public Areas
In the 2013 Community Health Survey, respondents were asked, “Would you favor or oppose policies that
would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as restaurant patios, recreation areas or playgrounds?”
They could answer on a five point scale ranging from “strongly favor” to “strongly oppose,” including
“somewhat favor,” “no opinion” and “somewhat oppose.” Tables for graphed data are included in the
Appendix.
March 2014
2
“Would you favor or oppose policies that would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as restaurant
patios, recreation areas or playgrounds?”1
Overall, 74% of Fort Collins residents reported that they “strongly favor” or “somewhat favor” policies that
would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as restaurant patios, recreation areas or playgrounds.
Fort Collins respondents are more than 4 times more likely to support the policy than they are to oppose it.
Females are more likely than males to “strongly” or “somewhat” favor a policy to prohibit smoking in
outdoor public areas. When considering respondents who “strongly oppose” or “somewhat oppose” this
policy, males are about twice as likely to be in opposition than females.
58%
16%
9% 9% 8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Strongly favor Somewhat favor No opinion Somewhat
oppose
Strongly oppose
Percent of Respondents
Overall support for policies that would prohibit
smoking in outdoor public areas
52%
17%
9% 11% 11%
64%
16%
8% 6% 6%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Strongly favor Somewhat favor No opinion Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose
Support for policies that would prohibit smoking
in outdoor public areas by gender
Male Female
March 2014
3
Age was not a factor in level of favoring and opposing this item. Across all age groups respondents were over
4 times more likely to “strongly favor” or “somewhat favor” a policy that would prohibit smoking in outdoor
public areas than they were to “strongly oppose” or “somewhat oppose” this policy. Only 8% to 9% of
respondents, in all age groups, report that they “strongly oppose” a policy of this nature.
When we consider the Fort Collins population by
smoker status, we find that 12% report using
cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or pipes (including hookah)
at least some days.
Of survey respondents, that 12% represents 173
individuals, compared with 88% or 1,296 respondents
who do not report using cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or
pipes (including hookah).
Strongly favor Somewhat favor No opinion
Somewhat
oppose
Strongly oppose
18-29 58% 14% 12% 8% 8%
30-49 62% 15% 8% 7% 8%
50-69 55% 18% 7% 11% 9%
70+ 57% 17% 9% 9% 8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Percent of
Respondents
Support for policies that would prohibit
smoking in outdoor public areas by age group
* Smokers are defined as those who report using cigarettes,
cigars, cigarillos, or pipes (including hookah) at least some days
88%
12%
Percent of respondents who
smoke* at least some days
Non-smoker
Smoker
March 2014
4
Smokers are more evenly split among those who favor and those who oppose the policies than non-smokers.
Thirty-nine percent of smokers “strongly” or “somewhat” favor policies that would prohibit smoking in
outdoor public places, while 45% “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose these policies. Of non-smokers, the
majority (79%) “strongly” or “somewhat” favor the policies, with just 13% who “strongly” or “somewhat”
oppose them.
About The Community Health Survey
Every three years the Health District of Northern Larimer County (the Health District) conducts a community
health survey of adults living in Larimer County Colorado to determine the health status and health care
needs of Health District residents. A triennial process is used so that health status trends may be followed
and heath service needs within the community can be understood on a regular basis. The information
obtained from the assessment is used to guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services that
the Health District provides. One of the assessment components is a written community health survey. The
first community health survey was conducted in 1995 and has been repeated every three years. The 2013
survey is the Health District’s seventh community health survey.
The 2013 community health survey was a written, 16-page, 83-question survey designed to collect data on a
variety of health conditions and behaviors, healthcare affordability and coverage, access to healthcare and
need for various services. A random-sample of approximately 7,300 households in Larimer County were
contacted by mail and asked to participate in the survey by return mail or through a secure online survey. A
total of 2,819 surveys were returned from adult residents of Larimer County, resulting in an overall response
rate of about 40%. Data was weighted by age and gender using the 2013 estimated Larimer County
population from the Colorado State Demography Office. Weighting is a common statistical technique used to
assure representation of underrepresented groups in the sample.
Some caution should be applied when interpreting survey results as only a part of the population, a sample,
is used to represent the whole population. Sampling error, also referred to as the margin of error, can be
estimated mathematically. The margin of error for this survey, at a 95% confidence level, is about+/-2.5%
(for proportions around 50%). That is, for every 95 out 100 samples drawn using the same survey
Strongly favor
Somewhat
favor
No opinion
Somewhat
oppose
Strongly
oppose
Smoker 23% 16% 16% 16% 29%
Non-smoker 63% 16% 8% 7% 6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Percent of
Respondents
Support for policies that would prohibit smoking in
outdoor public areas by smoker status*
*Smokers are defined as those who report using cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or pipes (including hookah) at least some days
March 2014
5
methodology, the estimated proportions would be no more than about 2.5 percentage points away from
their true values in the population. In addition to sampling errors, caution is needed because there could be
errors from things like how questions were worded or problems in how the survey was administered. These
types of errors cannot be estimated mathematically, although good faith efforts were made to reduce
known sources of bias and errors.
The Community Health Survey is conducted across Larimer
County. The Health District of Northern Larimer County
(Health District) service area includes the northern two-thirds
of Larimer County and includes Fort Collins, Wellington,
Timnath, Livermore and Red Feather Lakes (shown in green). The
southern part of the county includes Loveland, Estes Park,
Masonville and Berthoud (shown in white).
About this Preliminary Data Summary
This data summary was prepared by Health District of Northern Larimer County staff. The Health District is a
special district serving the northern two-thirds of Larimer County, Colorado, supported by local property tax
dollars and governed by a publicly elected five-member board. The Health District provides dental, mental
health, prescription assistance, and health promotion services to the communities it serves. For more
information about this summary or the Health District, please contact Susan Hewitt, Evaluation Coordinator,
at (970) 224-5209, or by e-mail at shewitt@healthdistrict.org.
March 2014
6
Appendix
“Would you favor or oppose policies that would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as restaurant patios,
recreation areas or playgrounds?”
Would you favor or oppose policies that would
prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such
as restaurant patios, recreation areas or
playgrounds?
All ages
Strongly favor 58%
Somewhat favor 16%
No opinion 9%
Somewhat oppose 9%
Strongly oppose 8%
Would you favor or oppose policies that would prohibit
smoking in outdoor public areas such as restaurant patios,
recreation areas or playgrounds?
Sex
All
Male Female
Strongly favor 52% 64% 58%
Somewhat favor 17% 16% 16%
No opinion 9% 8% 9%
Somewhat oppose 11% 6% 9%
Strongly oppose 11% 6% 8%
Would you favor or oppose policies that would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as
restaurant patios, recreation areas or playgrounds?
Age Groups
All Ages
18-29 30-49 50-69 70+
Strongly favor 58% 62% 55% 57% 58%
Somewhat favor 14% 15% 18% 17% 16%
No opinion 12% 8% 7% 9% 9%
Somewhat oppose 8% 7% 11% 9% 9%
Strongly oppose 8% 8% 9% 8% 8%
Would you favor or oppose policies that would prohibit smoking in outdoor public areas such as
restaurant patios, recreation areas or playgrounds?
Smoker Status
Smoker: uses cigarettes,
cigars, cigarillos, or
pipes (including hookah)
at least some days
Non-smoker: does
not use cigarettes,
cigars, cigarillos, or
pipes (including
hookah)
Total
Strongly favor 23% 63% 59%
Somewhat favor 16% 16% 16%
No opinion 16% 8% 9%
Somewhat oppose 16% 7% 8%
Strongly oppose 29% 6% 8%
Total 12% 88% 100%
1
Smoking Ordinance Expansion
Options
City Council Work Session
April 8, 2014
Beth Sowder, Neighborhood Services
Manager
ATTACHMENT 7
2
Purpose
• Discuss potential options to expand smoking
regulations in Fort Collins
• Areas to consider:
– Electronic Smoking Devices
– 100% Hotel/Motel Rooms
– Natural Areas, Parks, & Trails
– Public Events & Festivals
– Old Town or Downtown Area
3
General Direction Sought
1. What additional smoking regulations, if
any, would Council like to formally
consider?
2. If Council would like to formally consider
additional smoking regulations, what time
frame would be appropriate?
3. What additional information is needed?
4
History
• 1984 – no-smoking sections
– Fort Collins was the first city in CO to pass a
comprehensive smoking ordinance
• 2003 – Fort Collins designated bars, restaurants,
and workplaces as smoke-free
• 2006 – Colorado Indoor Clean Air Act
• 2013 – Fort Collins expanded smoking regulations
to include outdoor dining areas, bar patios, and
Transfort’s public transit facilities
5
Outdoor Areas
• Why?
– Secondhand smoke exposure is proven to be
harmful at any level, including outdoors
– Many cities have created smoke-free zones
especially in high-use outdoor areas
– Outdoor areas for recreation and healthy
activities
– Cigarette butts are toxic and create trashy
appearance
– Smoke-free areas often reduce tobacco use
and litter
6
Electronic Smoking Devices
• Not regulated in Fort Collins
• Not regulated by FDA
• Could add to City’s ordinance
• Deliver chemicals to lungs
• Health impacts are unknown
7
E-Cigarette Laws
• Several other state and local regulations:
– Oklahoma, Utah, New Jersey, North Dakota
– Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York,
Chicago
– Nationally, 108 municipalities
• Fort Collins Survey: Regulate e-cigs?
– Yes 48%
– No 30%
– No opinion 22%
8
100% Hotel/Motel Rooms
• Currently, 75% required smoke-free and
20 feet from entrances
• Could require 100% rooms smoke-free
• Primary benefit to hospitality industry
workers and non-smoker guests
• Third-hand smoke – recent health concern
9
Hotel/Motel Room Data
• 20 hotels/motels surveyed – 75% do not allow
smoking at all
• 80% said the 2003 smoking ordinance had no
impact or positive impact on their business
• Nationally, 93 municipalities and 5 states have
100% smoke-free policies
• Fort Collins Survey – 100% smoke-free rooms?
– Yes 56%
– No 34%
– No opinion 10%
10
Natural Areas, Parks, Trails
• Current smoking regulations do not apply
• Natural Areas support
• Specific Park areas (shelters, seating,
fields/courts, and playgrounds)
• Some outdoor areas have more impact
than others
• Exempt golf courses
11
Options: Smoke-Free
Outdoor Areas
1. All recreation areas and public events
smoke-free with no designated smoking
areas
2. All recreation areas and public events
smoke-free and allow or establish
designated smoking areas
3. Some recreation areas and public events
smoke-free
12
Fort Collins Survey
Percentage currently impacted by secondhand
smoke or notice cigarette litter.
0 50 100
Golf Courses
Dog Parks
Skate Parks
Trails
Natural Areas
Playgrounds
Fields/Courts
Bleachers/Seating
Park Shelters
Parks Parking Lots
Public Events
Old Town/Downtown
Cigarette
Litter
Secondhand
Smoke
13
Public Events/Festivals
• Current regulations do not apply
• Feedback from Event Organizers:
– Concerns – public relations, loss of patrons,
enforcement, issues with smokers having to
leave
• It would be helpful if:
– Clear signage
– Information provided by City
– City Requirement (not theirs)
– Designated smoking areas
14
Old Town/Downtown
• Current smoking regulations apply only on
outdoor dining areas, bar patios, and 20
feet from patios and doors
• Smoking Survey – 79% support
• Smoking Survey – support ban 5 a.m. – 11
p.m.
– Yes 69%
– No 24%
– No Opinion 7%
15
Boulder Pearl Street Mall
• City of Boulder enacted smoking ban on
Pearl Street Mall in 2013.
– Outreach & education
– Signage
– Work with businesses
– Clear, understandable boundaries
– Code Compliance and Police
enforcement
– Warnings then citations
16
17
Enforcement
• Voluntary Compliance
• Partners for education and assistance
• Signage and messaging
• Tiered approach
• Appropriate staff respond to complaints
• Police contacted if compliance not reached
18
Additional Survey Info
• Youth Coalition
– Strong support to ban smoking in
playgrounds and near schools
• Health District of Northern Larimer County
– 74% favor a policy prohibiting smoking
in outdoor public areas
19
General Direction Sought
1. What additional smoking regulations, if
any, would Council like to formally
consider?
2. If Council would like to formally consider
additional smoking regulations, what time
frame would be appropriate?
3. What additional information is needed?
I think tobacco use should be prohibited in parks/playgrounds