No More Smoking at the Beach, Playground

By Margaret Lyons in News on Oct 16, 2007 4:39PM

The smoking ban isn't just for bars anymore (well ... yet): The Chicago Park District wants to ban smoking on beaches and in playgrounds, too. And it looks like the plan will be approved by Wednesday, so run over to the playground and start puffing while you still can. The ban isn't just about keeping second-hand smoke away from the kiddies: It's environmental, too. Apparently you can collect 10,000 cigarette butts an hour cleaning up the lakefront, which is really, really gross.

A beach ban has been on the table for a while now, and Mayor Daley's not a fan, claiming it's another instance of over-regulation.

Smoking would still be allowed in "large passive areas" like Grant Park, according to the Park District's spokeswoman.