Smoking ban could complicate downtown Bel Air events

The smoking ban planned around all Harford County buildings could make for a convoluted situation around the Bel Air courthouses.

County spokesman Bob Thomas said Wednesday the large parking lot at the Mary E. W. Risteau Multi-Service Center, facing Thomas Street, is county-owned and would therefore be subject to the ban.

The small lot on the other side of the building, however, facing Hays Street, is owned by the state, meaning smokers could still light up there.

"It is a confusing and somewhat contracted situation at Risteau," Thomas said. "We have no authority to implement a policy that's going to affect [state property]."

The ban would also mean smokers would have to stay off the immediate perimeter of the county circuit court building on Main Street, which could pose a learning curve during large events like First Fridays or the BBQ Bash.

"At this point, there are no plans by the administration to put in place exceptions for the BBQ Bash, First Fridays, farmers' markets or similar events," Thomas said. "The ban, we feel, is workable and doable. It will be an inconvenience for some, it will be well-received by others, and if we have to make modifications to the proposal, they will be addressed on an individual basis."

A county hearing on the ban Monday drew about 10 people. Comments would be accepted for another week, at 410-638-3511.

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