Smoking in Glenwood Springs Could Cost You Big Bucks

Smokers beware! If you're thinking of visiting Glenwood Springs anytime soon, you'll want to read this or risk paying a $200 fine.

The City of Glenwood Springs passed a law last summer making it illegal to smoke downtown between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., if you're caught smoking, you'll be fined $200 for the first offense, $300 for the second and $500 for the third.

Before issuing tickets, the Glenwood Springs Police used fliers, foot patrol and signs to educate the public before issuing tickets. That phase, however, is over and now the police will begin issuing tickets.

The Glenwood Springs police chief told the Post Independent, “Now we’re at the point that if we catch you smoking 5 feet from the sign, you should get a ticket.”

According to a few people who have been hit by the fine, they say that the ordinance isn't posted well enough and there seems to be a lack of designated smoking areas for people who smoke.

One person, who has been visiting Glenwood Springs since she was three said her and her family will no longer visit Glenwood Springs. "This is stupid," we'll just find another town that's friendlier.

While the law is a great way to keep nonsmokers away from harmful second-hand smoke, it sounds like Glenwood Springs needs to make the law clearer.