Seattle - parks limit smoking..

April 4, 2010 - SEATTLE, April 2 (UPI) -- Non-smoking visitors to Seattle parks will no longer encounter cigarette or tobacco smoke, city officials say. New rules require smokers to stay at least 25 feet away from other park visitors, The Seattle Times reported Friday.

The rules even apply to people chewing tobacco.

Anyone cited for breaking the rules will be banned from the park for 24 hours. If violators return before their time is up, they can be charged with criminal trespass.

Another rule bans possession of glass containers at athletic fields, beaches or children's playgrounds. Also banned are explosives, acids or anything capable of causing serious harm to others.

Just one day after announced that a ban on smoking in Seattle city parks would take effect April 1, the city's parks superintendent has relaxed that ban. Superintendent Timothy Gallagher said the revised rule will only prohibit "smoking, chewing or other tobacco use" within 25 feet of other park patrons. The 25-foot rule is what the Board of Park Commissioners had recommended. Gallagher said he's decided that a gradual approach to a smoking ban is more reasonable.

Reference: Seattle parks limit smoking, UPI.com, 4/2/2010; After outcry, Seattle parks smoking ban is relaxed, SFGate.com, 2/18/2010.