The Oklahoma City Council voted yesterday to extend its existing smoking ban to even more areas, making virtually all city-owned property smoke free. The only two areas spared were the city’s municipal golf courses and the horse racing track, and it was that exemption that prevented it from being unanimously approved, as Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid wanted to keep people from enjoying a cigar or other smoke while playing golf. The expansion of the ban, which was authored by Ward 4 Councilman Pete White, passed 7-1. City streets and sidewalks also remain exempt from the ban, provided they are being used solely for travel. Once the ban goes into effect in 30 days, violators will be subject to a $100 fine. Oklahoma City is both the capitol and largest city in Oklahoma, with a population of just over 610,000 residents, while its metropolitan area is home to nearly 1.5 million people.
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