Smoking banned in Houston City & Harris County Parks

[ERicJ]

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?se...cal&id=8357289

Mayor Annise Parker Friday signed an executive order extending the city's temporary burn ban to include smoking in Houston parks.

The smoking ban applies to lighted cigars, cigarettes, pipes or any other device used for the burning of tobacco or other plant material.

Mayor Parker last week banned the use of barbecue grills and all other outdoor burning in City parks during the ongoing drought.

With the addition of the smoking ban, the city says its policy is now consistent with Harris County's burn ban. Violations of the mayor's executive order carry fines of up to $2,000 per offense.

The executive order will remain in effect until drought conditions improve.