Los Angeles may ban smoking from city parks
10/29/01
Smokers could be banned from Los Angeles' 200 parks.
The proposal by council member Jan Perry would see offenders being fined.
The state of California has already banned smoking from all indoor venues.
Community leaders say the move could have significant benefits, but smokers' rights groups say it's ridiculous.
Ms Perry said: "Going to a park is critical to the mental health of many residents, and they want to enjoy it without having to deal with the risks of second-hand smoke."
Dozens of US towns and a few big cities have imposed some limits on outdoor smoking in recent years. The movement is particularly strong in California, which has long led the nation in adopting strong anti-smoking rules, reports The Guardian.
Enoch Ludlow, director of a national group fighting laws against smoking, said: "They're worried about a few wisps of secondhand smoke compared to the filthy LA air? That's ridiculous. There's no good reason for this. It's just a concentrated effort to keep demonising one-fourth of the population."
"This is just grandstanding. It's a waste of time. They should be more worried about the smog," added Mr Ludlow.
Sonya Vasquez, chairwoman of the committee for smoke-free parks, said: "We're not trying to be harsh. We just want to create an environment that's healthy for the majority of citizens, especially in places where so many children play."