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Vancouver Park Board sets hefty fines related to outdoor smoking ban – Metro US

Vancouver Park Board sets hefty fines related to outdoor smoking ban

First-time offenders will be fined $250 if caught smoking on Vancouver’s parks, beaches, seawalls, trails and public golf courses.

The Vancouver Park Board approved two bylaws related to the smoking ban that takes effect Sept. 1, 2010 at a meeting on Monday night.

The bylaws will be enforced by park rangers, who are now authorized to write up tickets.

“Smoke-free parks and beaches is a natural extension of Vancouver’s reputation as a healthy, clean and green city,” said park board chair Aaron Jasper.

The smoking ban was approved by the park board on April 19. It also required an amendment of a City of Vancouver health bylaw on June 10.

According to a park board release, smoking bans have proven effective in reducing exposure to second hand smoke, reducing smoking initiation and increasing smoking cessation.

METRO VANCOUVER