Thursday, March 13 2008
(
San Diego Union Tribune)
ENCINITAS – Tobacco aficionados in Encinitas had better smoke 'em if they've got 'em.
Last month the City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that will prohibit smoking at city-owned beaches, parks, trails, overlooks and viewpoints, as well as outdoor dining areas of restaurants except for bars.
On Wednesday night, the council made it official, again unanimously, with a required second reading and official adoption of the ordinance.
The ban takes effect April 12. A violation would be an infraction of the city code.
Fines are set at $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second and $500 for a third.
The cost of signs associated with the ban is estimated at $5,000.
Areas included in the ban are Grandview Beach; Beacon's Beach; Stone Steps Beach; Moonlight State Beach; D Street Viewpoint; Swami's Beach; viewpoints at H, I and J streets; and the North El Portal and Rosetta Street viewpoints.
