On Monday, the Salisbury, Md. City Council passed a ban on smoking in the city’s parks, with the change going into effect immediately upon passage.

Violators will face hefty fines for lighting up in the now off-limits areas, with a first time violation carrying a $500 fine, while a second violation will cost an individual $1,000, though a provision allows for community service to be substituted for the fines — 12 hours for a first offense and 48 hours for a second.

According to the ordinance, smoking and vaping is unlawful in, on, or within 25 feet of all public parks, public bus shelters, public owned or leased and operated buildings and vehicles, the Government Office Building, and the Salisbury Zoo, and along the Riverwalk, including recreational areas within and located along the Riverwalk, except within 15 feet of an officially designated smoking area.

Exceptions have been carved out for designated smoking areas; on any boat or vessel legally docked at the city marina; or inside a non‐city owned or operated vehicle which is legally parked at a playground or recreational area, so long as it is at least 25 feet away from the playground or recreational area.

Salisbury is located on the eastern shore section of Maryland and is home to just over 33,000 residents.

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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.