Smoking banned at Winnipeg sports fields

Smokers are no longerallowed to light up near athletic fields within the city of Winnipeg.

City councillors unanimously passeda motion at City Hall on Wednesdayprohibiting smoking within 30 metres offields where youth are playing organized sports.

The Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association had pushed more than a year ago to ban smoking within 50 metres of any youth game following complaints from referees and parents that the air was fouled by sideline smokers.

The new rule comes into effect on June 1.