One of those, “Of Course!” ides that appears to be taking hold.
Park puffing ban sought
City Council will consider imposing fines for lighting up.
By Terri Hardy - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, April 20, 2007
It's the smoker's perpetual dilemma: Free to smoke, just not free to smoke anywhere.
Smoking bans have been declared on planes, in restaurants, in bars, most workplaces, around public buildings and near playgrounds.
Next? Sacramento may add city parks to that list.
The City Council in May is expected to vote on an ordinance that would prohibit lighting up in a park. Violate that ban and you could face a scolding, or even a $100 to $250 fine.
Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy, who pushed for the regulation, said she wants to protect park-goers, particularly children, from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
"People ought to be able to go to a public park and not have to worry about their health," Sheedy said.
If the ordinance is passed, Sacramento will join a growing number of California cities looking to ratchet up their smoking restrictions. At least 11 other cities already ban smoking in their parks, including San Francisco, San Diego and Santa Monica, according to a city report.
