Lifestyle

Dallas Says No More Smoking in Public Parks

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Beginning on March 1st, 2017, smokers will no longer be able to light up in public parks.

CBS DFW quoted Councilman Phillip Kingston who said that since restaurants haven’t lost the enthusiasm of patrons from the ban that came in 2003, people should not lose interest in parks because of this rule. “It is a public health issue. If you have never seen someone die of lung cancer, then you’re blessed. And to the extent that we can put an end to it, then we really need to,” he said

But not everyone thinks that parks won’t be impacted by this change. The Dallas City Council voted 8-6 for the ban that will apply to most public parks, but there are some exceptions. The Dallas Observer says, “Parks operated by contractors got a pass from the ban.”

Therefore, the new rule won’t apply to golf courses, the Elm Fork Shooting Range, Fair Park during the State Fair, the Dallas Arboretum, the Dallas Zoo and the future Trinity River Park. Golf courses and shooting ranges feel like embracing the ban would hurt their business.

Those caught smoking in public parks where the ban applies should expect a fine up to $200.