OKC Council Approves Ordinance Banning Smoking In Parks, Other City Property

The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to approve a new ordinance that bans smoking in city parks and other city property, much like smoking is already prohibited inside city-owned buildings.

The ban includes all city-owned or operated property indoors and outdoors with exceptions for streets, alleys, sidewalks, city golf courses and land or facilities licensed by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission on city-owned property.

The ordinance also prohibits smoking on sidewalks inside parks, on trails and in the area immediately surrounding city-owned and operated buildings, officials said.

The state legislature allowed cities to regulate smoking in such areas two years ago. The ordinance was introduced during the Nov. 24 Council meeting, with a public hearing Dec. 8.

The ordinance takes effect in 30 days, and violators are subject to a fine of up to $100.