Chicago Implements Wide Outdoor Smoking Ban
By: Greg Moore | Source: CBS2Chicago.com
October 19, 2007 9:22AM EST

Smoking is now off limits at beaches, parks and playground in Chicago.

The park district board voted unanimously Wednesday to pass the ban. It takes effect immediately.

The penalty for violating the ban is a $500 fine.

Enforcement relies on citizens to turn smokers in to police.

Proponents of the ban say it's a matter of public health.

"I have a lot of sympathy for smokers, but not when second-hand smoke affects the health of other people," Park District Superintendent Tim Mitchell said.

Proponents also say cigarette butts and filters damage the environment. During a three hour cleanup of city beaches last month, they say they found some 35,000 cigarette butts in the sand.

"One small thing we can do, that is not small for people using the beaches, is stop using them as ashtrays," Joel Brammier of the Alliance For Great Lakes said.

A young mother, who often visits city play lots, is all for the ban.

"Especially with a toddler who picks up everything and puts it a lot of times, in his mouth," Susan Sholty said.

Even one smoker CBS 2 talked to goes along with the idea of yet another place he can't light up.

"I don't smoke in front of children. When I walk by children, I cup my cigarette in my hand. I don't want them to see it," Daniel Young said.

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