Many cities and counties around the state are addressing the issue of secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor areas in their communities. These areas include the entryways around business, recreation areas such as parks and beaches, and other locations where people congregate such as service lines and events.
This activity by local governments is prompted by the increasing recognition that secondhand smoke is extremely toxic. In 2006 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) officially declared tobacco smoke a Toxic Air Contaminant and the United States Surgeon General issued a landmark report concluding that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Comprehensive Outdoor Secondhand Smoke Ordinances: July 2009
Table of Comprehensive Outdoor Secondhand Smoke Ordinances: July 2009
Becoming a Policy Wonk on Comprehensive Outdoor Secondhand Smoke Ordinances
Additional Resources
Congratulations: Smokefree Entryways for Stockton: December 2005
Support Swells for Smokefree Beaches: May 2004
Butts Are Litter: Short-term solutions to a Messy Problem: December 2003
Solana Beach, Smoke-free & Organized: December 2003
Passing Comprehensive Smokefree Entryway Policies: July 2003
Smokefree Entryways for Stockton: July 2003
Smokefree Recreation Areas TALC Ordinance Checklist: August 2007
Policy Brief on Secondhand Smoke Ordinance in Calabasas: May 2006
Strong Local Entryway Ordinances: November 2005
Smokefree Entryways Advocacy Kit