Schwarzenegger vetoes measure to ban smoking at state parks, beaches

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a measure that would have banned smoking at state parks and beaches, government officials confirmed on Tuesday.

Calling the measure "an improper intrusion of government into people's lives," Schwarzenegger said such rules should be left up to cities, counties and local park officials.

"This bill crosses an important threshold between state power .. .and local decision-making," the governor said in a veto message distributed by his office on Tuesday.

"There is something inherently uncomfortable about the idea of the state encroaching in such a broad manner on the people of California," the message said.

The measure would have allowed a 100-dollar fine to be levied against those cited for smoking in designated areas at 278 state beaches and parks. But it would have allowed people to light up in parking lots and campgrounds.

The proposed regulation would have been the most far-reaching tobacco legislation in the nation.

Source:Xinhua