Some sidewalks, golf courses and single-family homes. That is the list of places where smoking is still allowed in Walnut Creek, Calif. after the city’s latest extension to its smoking ban went into effect. As of Wednesday, multifamily units, the entire downtown area and parks became smoke-free, the final part of a multi-part implantation passed last September. On Oct. 31, it became illegal to smoke within 25 feet of all building and in commercial areas. The law passed the City Council 4-1, one of the strictest in the nation. Violating the new law carries a $10 fine for the first instance, $300 for the second and $500 for the third. In a rare move, after the fourth infraction, the city attorney can actually file a civil suit against any repeat violator. Walnut Creek has a population of 65,00 and is located 16 miles east of Oakland.
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