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A change in state law means that officials are no longer cracking down on restaurants selling takeout craft beer.More >> A change in state law means that officials are no longer cracking down on restaurants selling takeout craft beer.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods. The Market Square protest was part of a global movement called the March Against Monsanto, with protests held Saturday in more than 250 cities.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> This Memorial Day weekend across the country thousands of people will visit cemeteries to remember those who died in service to America.More >> Hundreds of local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts decorated the Knoxville National Cemetery with over 8,000 flags.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >>
SPRING HILL (AP) - Spring Hill has passed an ordinance that would allow police to fine people for smoking in a city park.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the ordinance on a 5 to 3 vote Monday night.
The proposal by Alderman Keith Hudson was amended to specifically ban smoking in city parks where the public gathers to exercise, participate in athletics or watch sports events.
Hudson compared the ban to seatbelt laws meant to protect the public. But Alderman Amy Wurth said the ban was too restrictive on the rights of individuals in a public area.
The minor municipal offense will likely carry a $138.75 fine, the same penalty for drinking alcohol or having an open container in a park.
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