Smokers in California can still light up in state parks and beaches thanks to a veto issued by Gov. Jerry Brown this week. SB 1333 was passed by the state legislature in late August and sought to build on an existing state law that prohibits smoking a cigarette, cigar, or other tobacco-related product within 25 feet of a playground or tot lot sandbox area and expand it to state coastal beaches or state parks, with a special provision that addresses not just smoking, but the disposal of a used cigar or cigarette. The ban would have gradually rolled out as signage could be procured and installed, with violators facing a fine of $250. In his veto, Brown said that “the complete prohibition in all parks and beaches is too broad. A more measured – and less punitive – approach might be warranted.”
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