It’s now illegal to smoke in the center of downtown Providence. Last week the City Council voted to override the mayor, banning smoking on street corners and sidewalks. In downtown Providence Monday, some residents and workers shared their reactions to the ban.
Smoking a cigarette next to Burnside Park, Sarah Heistand said people should be able to smoke outdoors.
“You’re outside,” said Heistand. “I mean, what are you gonna do about the people that work down here? Where are they gonna smoke? I don’t think it’s right.”
Waiting for a bus at Kennedy Plaza, Becky Fontes agreed.
“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” said Fontes. “It’s outdoors. We’re not harming anybody. If they don’t like the smoke they can move away.”
But the city council didn’t see it that way. They made it illegal to smoke in an eight-block section of downtown. Supporters like bus driver Junior Cornette said the ban will protect the public from second-hand smoke.
“I have nothing against those people who smoke,” said Cornette. “But I don’t want them to come and bring it to me. Even when they come to take the bus they are standing in front of the door waiting to get the bus and with the cigarette and get the last puff and come in inside and blow it out. I feel it straight to my throat.”
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza opposed the ban, saying it would target the homeless community without improving public health.
