Outdoor Smoking Ban in San Luis Obispo - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

Outdoor Smoking Ban in San Luis Obispo

1.15.10

SAN LUIS OBISPO - Smokers have taken their last drag in city parks and recreational areas in San Luis Obispo. Friday the ban to outlaw smoking and tobacco products in public outdoor areas got its first hit.

Friday was the first truly clear day at mission plaza in San Luis Obispo. Smokers have taken their last drag in all public parks and recreation areas.

"I think that's a good thing because I think the majority of people are really bothered by smoke...because second hand smoke is so dangerous," says Maura Adams.

In December the city council unanimously voted to approve the smoking and tobacco ban. Friday the law lit up.

"We've gone from wish you would rather not smoke to you smoke you're a bad person and now...people equate smoking with bad people," says The Sanctuary Tobacco Shop owner Doug Shaw.

The law bans smoking in any city park, all open spaces, and at sporting facilities. It also applies to dog parks, public transportation facilities, mission plaza and the creek walk.

If you get caught lighting up in these area's expect to pay a steep price.

"Right now we're in an educational period, and we just want people to know we are going to be going out and conducting spot checks on parks and facilities," San Luis Obispo Police Sergeant Sean Gillham.

The no smoking law in San Luis Obispo could be getting a whole lot stricter; city staff wants to take it a step further expanding into downtown.

"I think it will hurt business tremendously and then it begs the question, ok if smoking in downtown streets isn't good what about the barbecue's in farmers market, what about the cars that drive downtown? There are lots of other issues," says Doug Shaw.

The city is making signs that will be put up in all areas where smoking is not allowed.

If you get caught smoking in the no smoking area's the initial fine will cost you 100 dollars. It goes up to 200 and then to 500 dollars for each time you get caught in a 12 month period.