'Breathe Free' Campaign Underway To Prep Manhattan Beach For Smoking Ban
MANHATTAN BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Cigarette smokers will soon no longer be welcome in Manhattan Beach.
KNX 1070's Bob Brill reports starting in August, the city will begin enforcing a smoking ban in all public places, including the beach, parks, and restaurants.
'Breathe Free' Campaign Underway To Prep Manhattan Beach For Smoking Ban
The city officially kicked off its "Breathe Free MB" campaign Tuesday with a series of informational outreaches to residents and businesses to promote awareness of the new ordinance, which took effect July 18.
The ban won't be officially enforced until August 18 to allow time for the public to become aware of the new law, according to officials.
While existing law already prohibited smoking in many public areas, the new ordinance expands these prohibitions to all public places and limits the use of cigarettes - including electronic cigarettes - to private residential property, moving vehicles, and as many as 20 percent of the number of rooms in any local hotel or motel.
"If you are walking through the community or walking through the streets of Manhattan Beach and there's other people around you, that's what we're trying to protect with this ordinance," said city spokeswoman Sona Coffee.
Officials estimate just 7 percent of Manhattan Beach residents smoke, but they say many more may be exposed to deadly carcinogens and toxic contaminants when this small minority smokes in public places.
According to the city, the new ordinance enjoys "widespread support" from local residents and businesses, including the American Lung Association, Beach Cities Health District, and the Surfrider Foundation.
