Capitol Alert

California bans smoking at youth sports events

By David Siders

dsiders@sacbee.com
In this Tuesday, June 3, 2008 file photo, an employee takes a drag on a cigarette at Morgan's Place bar and restaurant in Harrisburg, Pa. Four common bad habits combined _ smoking, drinking too much, inactivity and poor diet _ can age you by 12 years, sobering new research suggests.
In this Tuesday, June 3, 2008 file photo, an employee takes a drag on a cigarette at Morgan's Place bar and restaurant in Harrisburg, Pa. Four common bad habits combined _ smoking, drinking too much, inactivity and poor diet _ can age you by 12 years, sobering new research suggests. Carolyn Kaster AP

California has found one more place to ban cigarettes, with Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday signing legislation prohibiting smoking at youth sports events.

Senate Bill 977, by Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, bans the use of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products within 250 feet of a youth sports activity. The law applies to people smoking that close to a game only if they are at the same park or facility where it is taking place.

Violators face a $250 fine.

The bill was supported by numerous health groups and signed by Brown without comment.

David Siders: 916-321-1215, @davidsiders

This story was originally published September 23, 2016 at 2:52 PM with the headline "California bans smoking at youth sports events."

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