City Smoking Ban Expands Today

Starting today smokers in Newport Beach will have to keep their habit away from the city's parks and beaches.

A law approved last month by the Newport Beach City Council went into effect today, expanding the town's previous smoking ban. Smoking is now prohibited within 100 feet of city parks, park facilities and beaches. According to a city staff report, banning smoking around the specified recreational areas is intended to help reduce exposure to second-hand smoke for people spending time at the beaches and parks.

Smoking was already banned on beaches, the boardwalk, public piers and within 25 feet of a playground or within 20 feet of community centers and public buildings. The ban does not apply to a person smoking in an alleyway or in a vehicle being driven on a public street, alley or in a parking lot.

What do you think about the expanded smoking ban? Tell us in the comments.