Vancouver, Wash., council bans tobacco in city parks

KNKX Public Radio | By The Associated Press

Published December 6, 2011 at 9:30 AM PST

The freedom to smoke no longer includes parks in Vancouver, Wash.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Vancouver City Council voted Monday to ban tobacco from city parks and recreation centers.

The council heard from at least one speaker who called the ban a form of discrimination.

The council also debated whether to include smokeless tobacco in the ban. It did.

Council member Jeanne Harris said, "It's not about rights or discrimination. It's about health."

The Columbian reports the tobacco ban takes effect in 30 days.

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