California to ban smoking, vaping at state beaches, parks

California will ban smoking and vaping at state beaches and parks starting next year under a new legislation signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday.

It covers smoking traditional cigarettes as well as marijuana and electronic cigarettes. Smoking will still be allowed in parking lots and on roads outside state parks and beaches.

The law also bans disposing cigar and cigarette waste at parks and beaches. Violations of the law will be punishable by a fine of up to US$25.

California state senator Steve Glazer has been pushing such a ban for years, with lawmakers approving it several times. But former Governor Jerry Brown repeatedly vetoed it.

Glazer has argued such a rule will protect public health and curtail pollution.

California already prohibits smoking at child care centers, within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of farmers' markets, in government buildings and on public transportation.