Atlanta bans smoking in parks

ATLANTA, July 17 (UPI) -- Atlanta's City Council approved a ban on smoking in city parks and made it punishable by fines of as much as $1,000, community service or six months in jail.

The City Council voted Monday to prohibit smoking or carrying lit tobacco products in Atlanta parks effective once Mayor Kasim Reed signs it, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Violations of the ban would not appear on a criminal record.

Councilman Howard Shook was the only member of the body to reject the ban.

"I am concerned about turning our city code into a guide for preferred manners and lifestyle tips," Shook said.

"(The ban) really gives teeth to people who want to confront folks who are smoking in the park and say, 'You can't do that here,'" Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd said.