By a vote of 8-0, the San Diego City Council outlawed smoking at all city beaches and parks. This will take effect on Wednesday, August 9th.
Smoking on the beach will now be a misdemeanor offense punishable by a maximum six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Violations could also be prosecuted as an infraction with no jail time and a $250 fine at the first offense.
The measure was presented by District 7 Councilman Jim Madaffer, who said the cost of the ordinance would be no more than $30,000. The cost of 1,000 signs would be approximately $15,000 to $20,000, he said. Less expensive stick-on signs would be placed on beach trash containers.
