Anti-Smoking Laws in Southern California

There are three cities in southern California that have enacted tough anti-smoking laws within their cities. Calabasas, Santa Monica and Burbank are cities concerned enough with the health of their residents and visitors to pass through stringent laws regulating where smokers can and cannot smoke in public. Since second hand smoke has been proven to contribute to a number of health problems, the cities voted to restrict exposure to second hand smoke to protect everyone.

In March 2006, Calabasas, a city to the northwest of Los Angeles, put its ban on outdoor smoking into effect. The law was passed in February 2006 and while it allows for some designated areas for smokers, it basically makes the city smoke free. In addition to prohibiting smoking in the usual public buildings, offices and restaurants for instance, it also encompasses bus stops, parks and any outdoor area where people could be affected by cigarette smoke. In January 2006, the state of California decreed that second hand smoke was a toxic air pollutant, which made passing laws against smoking easier. The law carries with it a fine that is stepped up from a first offense fine to multiple offenders who could receive a $500 fine or even spend time in jail.

Santa Monica passed their anti smoking ordinance in October 2006 which makes their existing ordinance stricter. It actually went into effect in November 2006, on Thanksgiving. It prevents smoking in parks, at beaches, at places like bus stops or ATM machines, or in any lines for that matter, as well as within 20 feet of an entrance to a public building. If a smoker refuses to put out a cigarette in one of these public places, the police could get involved and issue a citation for $250. Santa Monica's law differs slightly from other laws, in that it allows smokers to smoke outside buildings providing they are far enough away from windows and doors.

To the north east of Los Angeles, Burbank is another city that is strengthening the state's anti smoking laws. They have proposed an ordinance that would restrict smoking in a similar manner as Santa Monica. Smoking would be illegal within 20 feet of public areas, in open areas like farmer's markets or plazas, restaurants or waiting lines. No smoking signs would be placed in all areas where smoking is prohibited and the Burbank police department would be responsible for issuing fines to those people who refuse to obey the ordinance. The ordinance lists the health problems that smoking and second hand smoke cause and lists in detail exactly which areas would and would not be included in the anti smoking areas.

With so much concern and scientific evidence that cigarettes and other tobacco products are responsible for a plethora of diseases and illnesses, like asthma and cancer, it's only a matter of time before more cities begin their own ordinances to protect the population and the environment.