It won’t be as strict as some of the sponsors wanted, but Ventura County, Calf. will likely be getting a new smoking ban for its unincorporated areas next year.
On Tuesday, the county board of supervisors approved a ban by a 4-1 vote that will prohibit smoking in most public places and county-owned properties, such as parks and campgrounds.
Streets and sidewalks received an exemption, as did golf courses out of fear that a smoking ban would cut into business and because it is an open area where nonsmokers shouldn’t be as affected. Private business owners can also designate areas where smoking is allowed.
The proposal must still get an approval by the board at its second reading on Jan. 10. If enacted, it will go into effect 30 days later with enforcement scheduled to begin six months later, following an educational and outreach period. Violators will get a warning before facing fines between $50 and $200 for multiple offenses.
Ventura County is located in southern California and includes the cities of Oxnard, Ventura and Thousand Oaks. It is home to an estimated 850,000 residents.