How to Learn About the New Smoking Ban

Originally posted at 10:26 a.m. July 22, 2014. Edited with new details.

Manhattan Beach city officials will begin a public education campaign today to remind residents that a strict anti-smoking law barring people from lighting up in any public places takes effect next month.

The city already bars smoking at the beach, pier, parks, restaurants, workplaces and some public areas. Beginning Aug. 18, the ban will be expanded, barring smoking in all public places. The ban will also apply to electronic cigarettes.

According to the city, smoking will be restricted to private residential property, except those being used as a child-care or health-care facility, as well as moving vehicles and up to 20 percent of rooms in hotels and motels that meet certain criteria.

The ordinance technically went into effect last week, but the city has delayed enforcement so it can conduct a public outreach campaign to spread the word.

Mayor Amy Howorth and other officials took part in an event at the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market to begin the Breathe Free MB campaign, which will feature signs and public service announcements. Volunteers distributed information to area businesses and families at the market to help begin the campaign.

The event also marked the eight-year anniversary of the farmers market.

According to city-gathered statistics, only 7 percent of Manhattan Beach residents smoke. The goal of the ban is to reduce second-hand smoke.

--City News Service

Patch Editor Penny Arévalo contributed to this report.