Ban on Smoking Cigarettes, E-Cigs in Manhattan Beach Starts This Month

From the city of Manhattan Beach:

On June 17, 2014 the Manhattan Beach City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 14-0008 to prohibit smoking in all public places in the City of Manhattan Beach, and prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes wherever smoking is not allowed.

Manhattan Beach’s existing Municipal Code includes a smoking ban on beaches and the Pier, in parks, in places of employment, along The Strand, and on Veterans Parkway. Based on research and concerns about public health, safety and welfare, as well as pollution from cigarette litter, this ordinance was expanded to include all public places and the use of electronic cigarettes.

City staff in coordination with the Beach Cities Health District, Behavioral Health Services, and the Surfrider Foundation hosted several public forums and business association meetings to gather input from the community regarding the expansion of outdoor smoking regulations in the City. Other California cities that limit smoking in all public places include Calabasas, Carpinteria, Coronado, El Cajon, Loma Linda, Moorpark, Del Mark, Hayward and San Luis Obispo.

The Smoke-Free Public Places ordinance becomes effective on July 18, but will not be enforced until Aug. 18 while the city conducts a public outreach campaign. Under the ordinance, smoking will only be permitted in the following locations within the City, unless otherwise provided by state or federal law:

1. Private residential property, other than those used as a child-care or health-care facility subject to State licensing requirements.
   
   
2. In up to twenty percent of guest rooms in any hotel or motel that meets certain conditions.
   
   
3. Within a moving vehicle.

For questions about the Smoke-Free Public Places ordinance or educational campaign, please contact Sona Coffee at (310) 802-5341. Visit the Going Green website for more information.