Smoking ban proposed for San Diego parks and beaches
Smoking would be prohibited at all San Diego city beaches and parks if an ordinance proposed today by two City Council members is ultimately passed into law.
The measure, crafted by Councilman Jim Madaffer and Council President Scott Peters, is intended to reduce litter from cigarette butts.
“We know that cigarette butts are a disgusting health hazard that not only can be ingested by animals, but by small children and marine life,” Madaffer said at a news conference at La Jolla Shores.
“This is really a reasonable law that is designed to prevent litter and protect nonsmokers alike,” he said.
Violators of the proposed law would be fined, though the amount has not yet been set, according to Madaffer’s office. The revenues collected would be used to help cover some of the city’s costs to pick up cigarette butts at beaches and parks.
