Supervisors pass legislation banning smoking on municipal golf courses

By Angela Hokanson, Bay City News Service

May 17, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - The San Francisco Board of Supervisors today passed legislation that bans smoking on golf courses owned by the city.

The ordinance passed with a 6-4 vote, with supervisors Aaron Peskin, Gerardo Sandoval, Sean Elsbernd, and Fiona Ma voting against the legislation. Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier did not vote on the measure.

The ordinance amends a section of the San Francisco Health Code that already prohibits smoking in certain public and private places, such as sports stadiums, restaurants, bars, and government buildings, but that specifically excluded golf courses from the smoking restriction.

The measure will apply to the five city-owned golf courses in San Francisco, including the Harding Park, Fleming, Lincoln Park, Golden Gate Park, and Gleneagles golf courses.

People who violate the smoking ban on golf courses would be subject to the same punishments as those who violate smoking bans in parks in the city, according to Deputy City Attorney Cheryl Adams. A first violation of the ban would cost up to $100 in fines, a second violation would cost $200, and a third violation during the same year would cost $500.

The legislation, which was sponsored by supervisors Jake McGoldrick and Tom Ammiano, will be forwarded to the mayor's office. The mayor may sign the legislation, veto it, or return it unsigned to the Board.

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