Members of the Barrington Town Council voted unanimously to prohibit smoking and vaping marijuana in public places in town, but stopped short of barring people from using it in their vehicles.

During the Oct. 3 meeting, the council voted 5-0 to approve ordinance 2022-17, prohibiting smoking or vaping cannabis in public places. The move bars people from smoking and/or vaping marijuana at local parks, beaches, athletic facilities and other public spaces. 

Barrington Solicitor Michael Ursillo said anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited, so too is marijuana. Anyone who violates the new ordinance faces a $100 fine for the first offense, up to $250 for a second offense, and up to $500 for a third offense.

Council candidate Kate Berard asked current councilors to consider treating cannabis more like alcohol and consider legislation other communities have adopted to prohibit people from using it in their vehicles. 

Barrington Town Council President Michael Carroll said the town would need a separate ordinance for that action; the council was holding a public hearing on 2022-17 which only banned smoking or vaping in public places in Barrington. 

Ursillo said the move was worth considering, but added that he was not sure the Barrington Town Council had the authority to prevent people from smoking marijuana inside their vehicles. 

Jacob Brier, the councilor who had proposed the change, made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Annelise Conway seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0. 

Rob Humm said he agreed with Berard in that he equated smoking or vaping marijuana more akin to alcohol consumption. He also agreed with the solicitor in that the town needs more information before taking a further prohibitive action.