Long Beach Bans Smoking In All City Parks

LONG BEACH (AP) — Smoking is now banned in all city parks.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to outlaw smoking in parks and other outdoor areas, including picnic areas, playgrounds, sports or playing fields, walking paths, gardens, hiking trails, and bike paths. Smoking was already illegal on city beaches.

City Council Votes To Ban Smoking In All City Parks In Long Beach, KNX 1070's Ron Kilgore reports.

Golf courses and film crews are exempt.

The Long Beach Press-Telegram says golf courses were exempt because of potential revenue losses and little impact on children.

Violators face a $100 fine the first time, a $200 fine for a second violation within a year and a $500 fine for all subsequent violations within one year of a previous offense.

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