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(KSL News/AP) -- Smoking in Salt Lake City's parks and within fifty feet of mass gatherings is now illegal. A new ordinance went into effect today that bans smoking in certain public areas in the city.
Smoking is prohibited in public parks, cemeteries and at public gatherings of more than 100 people.
Mayor Rocky Anderson signed into law today an ordinance that prohibits smoking at bus stops, TRAX stations and public parks.
The new law is intended to combat the negative effects of second-hand smoke and promote public health. Smoking is already banned in most buildings.
"This is a health and safety measure. It's also a measure to make things more convenient and more welcoming for everybody, so you don't go home with your hair and clothes smelling like smoke," said Mayor Rocky Anderson of Salt Lake City.
Penalties for going against the ordinance are expected to start at $25 dollar per fine.
Even though it was a generation ago, it's hard to believe how well cigarette marketing worked, and how innocent the ads made smoking seem. But times quickly changed, when celebrities started speaking out against the habit.
Now, smoking is on the verge of being restricted almost everywhere. But not everyone likes it.
In the early stages of this legislation, people saw it as infringing on their rights. According to Becca Atkins, the smoking ban is "not going to work." When asked why, she said, "Because people are going to smoke anyway, they're going to break the laws, break the rules."
But there is a growing number of people who like the idea of fresh air--outside. Dean Peterson said, "I think it's great. I think second hand smoke is dangerous."
(The Associated Press contributed to this article.)
