Los Altos, Calif. Passes Public Smoking Ban

Effective later this month, smoking will be banned in most public places in Los Altos, Calif.

Last week, the Los Altos City Council voted in favor of an ordinance that would ban smoking at public places in the city, this includes all enclosed areas open to the public, as well as a ban on smoking 25 feet from said buildings, in parks, outdoor dining areas, entrances and public events.

The only areas within downtown Los Altos where smoking will still be allowed will in parking lots, so long as they comply with the aforementioned distance rule.

All smoking products, including e-cigarettes and marijuana, are covered by the new ban.

A formal warning will be issued for a first offense, though subsequent offenses could be subject to fines up to $200.

Los Altos is located in Santa Clara County, in what is considered Silicon Valley. It has a population just under 30,000 and is bordered by Palo Alto and Mountain View, home to Google.