Parks and library campuses in Houston, Texas will soon be smoke free, as the city looks to make them cleaner, healthier and safer. The change goes into effect on September 2, and will include golf courses and the entirety of parks and libraries, eliminating any smoking areas or buffer zones where people could still light up. The new rule includes all tobacco products, regardless of form, and has already been put into effect at the city’s downtown libraries. “This decision is based on a desire to protect the health of our residents,” said Mayor Annise Parker via a press release. “Millions of Houstonians, many of them children, utilize our City parks and libraries. They deserve to be able to play and learn without being exposed to harmful secondhand smoke. Likewise, City employees at these facilities also deserve healthy work environments.” While the hope is that signage and verbal reminders will deter anyone from using tobacco products, there is also the possibility that an individual could receive a municipal citation and be fined as much as $2,000. The ban will be enforced by parks and library staff members, as well as Houston police. Houston is the largest city in the state and ...
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