On March 22, the California State Assembly passed a bill to ban smoking at state parks and beaches. Although it hasn’t been signed by the governor yet, California would have the most far-reaching smoking ban in the nation. They are part of a growing movement to ban smoking on state land in an attempt to reduce pollution and litter, reduce health hazards and decrease the chances of wildfires.
As of April 1st, 2010, 97 municipalities have enacted smoke-free beach laws that specify all city beaches and/or specifically named city beaches must be smoke free. Parks, campgrounds and playgrounds are also covered by some smoking bans. Check No-Smoke.org to see if your local beach is covered by a smoking ban.
Some Florida municipalities have considered similar ordinances but are being investigated to see if they are pre-empted by the state’s smoking laws. State regulations of where smoking is permitted can sometimes take precedence over municipal laws or be the baseline law.
It may be tougher for these laws to be enforced though, especially with widespread state budget deficits. New York State alone is recommending closing or reducing hours at dozens of state parks to help close the budget gap.
Click here to read California’s State Beaches and Parks Smoking Ban legislation.
-BDust
Filed under: Outdoor Smoking Policy, State Smoking Laws Tagged: | California State Beaches and Parks Smoking ban, clean outdoor air act, municipal smoking bans, smoking ban, smoking policy, state smoking bans
