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August 20, 2008 5:20:56 PM CDT

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Chicago Fines Aim to Kick Smokers' Butts From Beach

Posted Jun 18, 08 11:43 AM CDT in Science & Health,  US 

(Newser) – Chicago will fine smokers who toss cigarette butts on the beach—or within 15 feet of one— up to $500. The new law is aimed at cutting the cost of cleaning up after smokers, who have been forced outside by smoking bans, reports the Chicago Tribune. Millions of tons of butts are cleared from beaches every year. 

The new law is a pick-me-up for volunteers who help clear beaches. "We pick them up sometimes by the handfuls," said one. "It's shocking to people who collect the data. You never look at a cigarette butt the same way again."

Source Chicago Tribune

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Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers outdoors - but made cleaning up after them more costly.   (Getty Images (by Event))
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Chicago  • smoking  • smoking ban  • Surgeon General  • Ocean Conservancy  • Earth Day


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