Proposal Would Explore Limiting Outdoor Smoking

Smokers may soon have fewer places to light up outdoors in Boston.

Boston City Councilors Felix Arroyo and Salvatore LaMattina are proposing looking into whether it is feasible to ban smoking in public parks and at beaches.

They say people should be able to enjoy the public spaces without damaging their health.

Council President Stephen Murphy says he's open to holding a hearing, but doesn't know whether there's enough support among his members.

"There's a bit of reticence on the part of some of us that we may be overstepping where it is public space," Murphy said.

He also says he has concerns about how the ordinance would be enforced.

"Are we now going to have civilian agents running around public parks with green tickets saying, 'If I catch you smoking, it's a $50 fine?' I don't know," Murphy said.

Mayor Thomas Menino has not said whether he will support the proposal.