Fans fume over Chargers' home smoking ban

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- San Diego Chargers fans who smoke say they are fuming over a new smoking ban sprung on them without notice.

Fans can no longer light up in formerly designated smoking areas inside Qualcomm Stadium, the Chargers' home, which is owned by the city, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Tuesday.

The only public notice of the new rule came at the end of a long news release posted on the team's Web site before its first pre-season game, the newspaper said.

Chargers officials will provide more information about the ban at a news conference before the Chargers' next home pre-season game Sept. 4, said Mike McSweeney, the stadium operations manager.

McSweeney said the team, the city's police department, stadium management and the mayor's office had jointly decided to impose the ban.

Each smoking ban violation may result in a fine of up to $136 and ejection from the stadium.

Tailgaters can still smoke in the parking lot outside the stadium.