Maryland Zoo In Baltimore Will Ban Smoking On Grounds

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore will ban smoking on its grounds.

The ban takes effect July 1. The zoo says the ban applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and alternative smoking products or other smoking devices, including e-cigarettes.

Smoking in the zoo's buildings was already prohibited by Maryland law.

Visitors who want to smoke will have to leave the grounds or go to a designated smoking area outside the main gate.

Don Hutchinson, president and CEO of the Zoo, said in a statement that exposure to second-hand smoke has been a main complaint by visitors.