Jonathan Bertanelli, who previously installed ashtrays and a trash bin at Heritage Hills Park, recently added warning signs below the ashtrays. The signs read: “NO SMOKING, if you choose to violate PLEASE USE ASHTRAY.” The signs say the ashtrays are donated by Anthem Holding Corporation on behalf of Heritage East Herald and the City of Albuquerque.
“Please be advised that I have posted no smoking signs that are very descriptive and that indicate that they were donated by us on behalf of Heritage East Harold and the City of Albuquerque,” Bertanelli wrote in a June 23 email. “These were placed on all three of the islands in the parking area on all six ashtrays that I installed.”
Although the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation website does not list smoking, tobacco or cannabis consumption as being prohibited at city parks, it does say fireworks are not allowed. Glass containers, vehicles on grass, staking of tents and pony rides are also prohibited at city parks. The city of Albuquerque Park Ordinance says, “No person in a park shall give or offer, or attempt to give to any animal or bird any tobacco, alcohol or other known noxious or injurious substances.”
Smoking and vaping rules and regulations are governed by state, county, and city statutes and ordinances. The Integrated Development Ordinance regulates where public cannabis consumption can take place, and in 2007 Mayor Martin Chavéz signed an executive instruction prohibiting smoking on city property. Although there are rules against smoking in public, they are largely unenforceable except in indoor spaces and areas where it is a danger to the public. Smoking at the botanical garden, zoo and city open spaces is prohibited and violators subject to fines.