Council members in Atlanta have voted in favor of a smoking ban in parks across the city.

The new ordinance now prohibits smoking or carrying of lit tobacco products into park areas in Atlanta.  Once signed by Mayor Kasim Reed, who supports the ban, it will take effect immediately.

Monday's vote moved Atlanta closer to joining a number of its neighbors who have already curbed smoking or tobacco use in parks or public places (Alpharetta, Decatur, Doraville, Douglasville, Duluth, Gainesville, Marietta and Roswell, as well as Clayton, Douglas, Forsyth and Henry counties).

The fine if caught smoking in an Atlanta area park could be up to $1,000, six months in jail or community service.  Penalties would be up to the discretion of the Judge.

The only member of Atlanta's City Council to vote against the smoking ban was Councilman Howard Shook of Buckhead.  Shook says the Atlanta Police Department already has enough to do without worrying about people consuming a legal substance.

"I am concerned about turning our city code into a guide for preferred manners and lifestyle tips," Shook said.

There are exceptions.  Parks like Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood, Park Tavern, Chastain Park Amphitheatre and the parts of Oakland Cemetery are privately owned and not subject to the new smoking ban.

Public health activists, high-school students and representatives of the downtown businesses spoke in favor of the ban at Monday's City Council meeting.

David Wardell, an executive with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution workers sometimes pick up one gallon of cigarette butts in Woodruff Park in a single shift.