The City of Rock Port has passed an ordinance regulating and requiring smoke-free and vape-free environments in certain places. Pictured, from left to right, are Councilman Michael Graves, Councilwoman Kim Brake, Debbie Bennett, Jamie Baker, Lily Wilroy, Mayor JR Chaney, Atchison County Health Director Julie Livengood, Andrea Cook, Stephanie Athen, Ceri Harr, Councilman Christopher Roup, Sarah Watkins, and Councilman Jeff Geib. (Submitted photo)

At the City of Rock Port Board of Aldermen meeting on Friday, May 29, 2026, an ordinance was passed, regulating and requiring smoke-free and vape-free environments in public places and workplaces.  The Board of Aldermen recognize the risk to public health that exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor poses.

Smoking and vaping of any substance – including but not limited to tobacco, marijuana, hemp-derived products and many other plant derived or synthetic substance delivered by inhalation – shall be prohibited in all enclosed public places and workplaces within the City of Rock Port unless specifically exempted.

The following locations would be considered prohibited areas: all city-owned or city-operated buildings, facilities and vehicles; healthcare facilities, clinics and medical offices; schools, daycare centers and any facility primarily serving minors; public transportation vehicles; public parks and all city-owned recreational areas; and stadiums, athletic fields, spectator areas, bleachers and sidelines.

There are some limited exceptions, but these only apply to tobacco and nicotine products and hemp-derived products. The smoking or vaping of marijuana is not permitted under any exceptions set forth. These exceptions include:

• Bars and taverns may permit tobacco or nicotine smoking and vaping only in outdoor areas;

• Golf courses may permit smoking and vaping of tobacco and nicotine products in outdoor areas, including on carts and open-air patios;

• Smoking and vaping of tobacco or nicotine products is permitted in outdoor areas not otherwise prohibited, except within fifteen feet of any entrance, exit, window or ventilation intake of an enclosed public place or workplace.

Any individual found to be in violation with this ordinance shall be subject to the following fines:

• First offense: Warning or fine up to $50;

• Second offense: Fine up to $100;

• Third and subsequent offenses: Fine up to $200 per violation.

Any business owner or operator who fails to enforce or comply with this ordinance shall be subject to the following fines:

• First offense: Written warning;

• Second offense: Fine up to $300;

• Third and subsequent offenses: Fine up to $500 per violation;

In addition to the fines, the City may suspend or revoke a business license.

To look at the new ordinance in its entirety, go to www.rpmo.com.