Ban on Smoking at Zoos to Become Law

Calling it good news for Oklahoma children, Sen. Cliff Branan said he was extremely pleased that Gov. Brad Henry had signed Senate Bill 473, a measure to ban smoking at zoos located in Oklahoma.

“There are literally hundreds of thousands of children who visit the Oklahoma City and Tulsa zoos each and every year,” said Branan, R-Oklahoma City. “We would be shocked if these children were being exposed to cigarette smoke in their classrooms at school, but in reality, zoos are an outdoor classroom.
We need to ensure our kids’ health and safety there as well.”

Branan said SB 473 closes a loophole in the state law banning smoking in public places.

“The way the current law is worded, it only covers indoor spaces,” Branan said. “What we’ve done is extend that ban to all spaces in our zoos, including indoor buildings and outdoor areas. This law will not impact any other venues.”

The senator said while the new law would create a healthier environment for both children and adults visiting zoos, it would also create a safer environment for the animals because cigarette butts sometimes end up in exhibit spaces.

SB 473 takes effect on November 1, 2007.