Smoking is currently banned in workplaces, as well as bars and restaurants. The bill introduced by council member Jan Perry would prohibit smoking in the city's nearly 200 parks, and levy fines on those who do smoke.

"We're not trying to be harsh," said Sonya Vasquez, chairwoman of the Committee for Smoke-Free Parks, which represents about 24 neighborhood groups. "We just want to create an environment that's healthy for the majority of citizens, especially in places where so many children play."

Groups advocating smokers' rights oppose extending the smoking ban to public parks. "They're worried about a few wisps of secondhand smoke compared to the filthy L.A. air? That's ridiculous," said Enoch Ludlow, director of a national group fighting ordinances against smoking.

A vote on the issue is expected by the end of the year. If approved, the smoking ban would be the toughest in the United States.

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