City officials in San Francisco voted Tuesday to ban smoking in all parks, public squares and many other outdoor spaces owned by the city.
In an 8-3 vote, the Board of Supervisors agreed that the health and environmental risks associated with discarded cigarette butts and secondhand smoke merited extending indoor bans to outdoor spaces.
Violators could be fined up to $100 on first offense, $200 for a second violation and $500 for each additional violation.
Based on enforcement of similar bans in Pasadena, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and elsewhere, city officials said little oversight would be necessary. Most smokers voluntarily comply when signs tell them not to light up, they said.
The ban will apply to well-known open spaces such as Golden Gate Park and popular tourist destinations including Union Square and Pier 39.
