The Atlanta City Council approved 11 – 1 on Monday an ordinance prohibiting smoking in city parks, meaning the legislation now goes to Mayor Kasim Reed for final approval.
Smoking in Atlanta parks and other recreation areas will be punishable with fines of up to $1,000, six months in jail or community service, the AJC reported. Penalties would be up to the discretion of judges.
In addition to parks, athletic fields, aquatic areas, golf courses, tennis courts, hiking/walking/biking trails, playgrounds, off-leash areas and spectator and concession areas are also included in the ban, according to the ordinance.
Signage will be installed in all city parks.
Exceptions are made for Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood, Park Tavern and the parts of Oakland Cemetery that are privately owned.
Those in favor of the ban site scientific and medical evidence that shows the dangers associated
Article source: http://buckhead.patch.com/articles/atlanta-city-council-bans-smoking-in-city-parks
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