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Commissioners OK partial smoking ban 

Traverse City commissioners banned smoking at beaches, picnic shelters and playground areas, but stopped short of a total smoking ban in city parks.

Commissioners decided in a 6-1 vote in favor of a smoking ban "in park buildings, shelters and designated swimming and beach areas in city parks that have waterfront or playground areas." The ban takes effect Oct. 29 and violators could be asked to stop smoking, expelled from the park or ticketed.

Commissioner Ralph Soffredine said it was a move in the right direction, but wanted a more restrictive measure to ban all tobacco in city parks.

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