People who continue to litter the streets with cigarette butts could soon end up before the courts. But the Corporation of Hamilton hopes it does not get to that stage — and has bought new cigarette receptacles to place around the city in the hope smokers will use them instead of the street to get rid of their butts.

Deputy Mayor William Black said: "We have had a real problem with people throwing their cigarettes on the streets and sidewalks in the city. During the May in Bloom campaign we put out new plant holders which are now full of cigarette butts. The problem has become worse since smoking was banned from restaurants, bars and offices because people congregate in one area and then drop their cigarettes."

However, the Corporation has already started exploring its legal options. Officials are working with the Attorney General's chambers and Police so that people can be ticketed for throwing butts on the streets.

Mr. Black added: "Instead of a fine, though, we want them to be sentenced to community service, to clean up the city streets."

In the meantime the COH hopes the public will take advantage of the new cigarette receptacles that will be placed around the city. It is also hoped that businesses who have customers or employees who frequently smoke will purchase one too to place outside the offices.

A receptacle costs $500 and companies that buy the bins will not be responsible for maintaining or emptying them. Staff from the Corporation will be in charge of the maintenance and the bins can be purchased by contacting the Corporation at 292-1234.

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