Over the last couple of months, the topic of smoking in city parks has been debated in Seattle with groups saying it would target the homeless and minorities. Yesterday, saw the measure to ban smoking in the parks pass after language was removed from the bill that would have resulted in a $27.00 fine.
With the fine removed from the measure, those who violate the ban would be subjected to a written or verbal warning before being subjected to arrest under the guise of Criminal Trespassing.
The new law will go into effect on July 1st.
