Smoking bans hit the pavements

In the state of Washington, tighter anti-smoking laws will be on the ballot for voters next week. If the ban is passed, it would be illegal for smokers to light up within 25 feet of any building—restaurant, office, movie theater, etc.—that already prohibits smoking. The penalty for an offense of this nature could bring about a $100 fine. The Washington state law would expand the reach of indoor smoking bans in cities like New York, Austin, and Columbus.

In USA TODAY, Dennis Cauchon writes,

• California now bans smoking on many beaches. In September, Orange County became the nation’s first county to ban smoking along its entire coast. San Francisco banned smoking in parks July 1.

• Local governments in Alabama, Ohio and Indiana are expected to vote this month on outdoor smoking rules that would push smokers 10 to 25 feet away from buildings. A proposal in West Lafayette, Ind., is typical: It would ban smoking within 15 feet of entrances and at ATMs and bus stops.

• Iowa hospitals are banning smoking anywhere on their grounds, a move supported by the Iowa Hospital Association. Even smoking inside a car in a parking lot will be prohibited at many hospitals.

Martin Kaste of NPR has more on this story here.