Encinitas, Calif. Passes Smoking Ban on Sidewalks and in Parked Cars

On Wednesday night, the Encinitas City Council unanimously passed a proposed ordinance that will expand the city’s existing smoking ban to prohibit lighting up on city sidewalks and in parked cars.

Currently, the city prohibits people from smoking in city parks and trails, on beaches, and within the outdoor seating areas of restaurants. Supporters claim that expanding the ban would not only improve air quality and public health, but reduce litter on streets and sidewalks, as well as reduce youth from smoking. The bill would prohibit anyone from disposing of “smoking waste” such as cigarette butts anywhere but specific receptacles designated for such waste.

The ordinance calls for a ban on smoking within 20 feet of a public place, though does not extend to residential properties or cars that are being actively driven, and includes a provision for up to 20 percent of the guest rooms in a hotel or motel. It includes traditional tobacco products, electronic vaping devices and the smoking of marijuana.

The ban is inspired by a similar ordinance passed by Manhattan Beach, Calif. in 2014.

According to the ordinance, it is scheduled to go into effect on June 6.

Encinitas is located approximately 25 miles north of San Diego and is home to about 62,000 residents.