MB Exploring Banning Smoking in All Public Places

The possible expansion of Manhattan Beach's outdoor smoking ban will be the subject of a Town Hall meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 1400 Highland Ave.

City officials, the Beach Cities Health District, Behavioral Health Services and the Surfrider Foundation want to gather input to perhaps ask City Council to expand the city's existing municipal code. Current code bans smoking on the beach, in city parks, public areas, places of employment, and on The Strand and Veterans Parkway. 

As part of its commitment to the Healthways Blue Zones Vitality City initiative, City Council has been asked to consider an expansion of the existing ordinance to create a tobacco-free policy for all public places.

California cities that limit smoking in all public places include Calabasas, Carpenteria, El Cajon, Loma Linda, Moorpark, Del Mark, Hayward and San Luis Obispo, said David Carmany, Manhattan Beach city manager.

The April 15 Town Hall meeting will consist of short, informative presentations that address issues that include the health impacts of second- and third-hand smoke; environmental impacts of cigarettes; impacts of smoke-free ordinances on local businesses, and options for expanding the existing ordinance, he said.

At the meeting, attendees will have a chance to participate and raise any concerns they have about expanding the city's smoking ordinance.

If you have questions, contact Sona Kalapura at (310) 802-5341, or visit the City's Going Green website for more information.