The Vandalia City Council has decided to keep a section of an ordinance that disallows spitting in many public areas.
City Attorney Ryan Connor said he had been asked to take a look at the section of the ordinance that states “No person shall spit upon any public walk, nor upon or in any car, bus, or other public vehicle within the city, nor upon the floor, walls or furnishings of any theater or public buildings within the city.” Connor said the section was pretty antiquated and that other municipalities, including the City of Chicago, have removed such spitting ordinances. Connor said they could find an alternative.
Alderman Steve Barker said he would still like to see it in place to protect Police Officers, if someone were to spit on them. Connor pointed out that would still be punishable even without the ordinance. And, Alderman Bret Brosman weighed in and also wanted to see it remain in place.
Police Chief Jeff Ray says the last time a spitting ticket went to court was in 2002 after an officer issued a ticket for someone spitting on the sidewalk and it was dismissed. But, the City Council decided they want to keep it in place. So, the ordinance to rescind the section on spitting died for a lack of motion.
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