Article: California town now 'smoke-free'

California town now 'smoke-free'

Fri Mar 17, 9:56 PM ET

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) - Calabasas, California has declared itself a "smoke-free city" and banned smoking within 20 feet (six meters) of other persons or sidewalks and even in some apartments.

Calabasas Mayor Barry Groveman told NBC television, "This does not ban cigarettes," although it comes close in this town of 20,000 people some 20 miles (35 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.

The city council passed the Comprehensive Second-Hand Smoke Control Ordinance, which "prohibits smoking in all public places in the City of Calabasas at times when other persons can be exposed to secondhand smoke".

So, smokers must first check if their apartment, backyard or balcony happens to connect to a common laundry room or a pool, because fines are stiff.

"Violators of the ban could pay a fine of up to 500 dollars, while repeat offenders could face jail time," the mayor told NBC.

Other places not to smoke, the ordinance says, are "indoor and outdoor businesses, hotels, parks, sidewalks, restaurants and bars where people can be reasonably expected to congregate or meet."

And, smoking is not allowed within 10 feet (three meters) of "any protected plant or tree, including oaks," the ordinance says.

"The city is protecting the health of its citizens with the new law ... this limits public exposure to secondhand smoke," the mayor said.

In January, state authorities declared secondhand smoke a toxic contaminant, similar to polluting industrial emissions.
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