By Michelle McKenna
Staff Writer
A recent Hermosa Beach ordinance banned smoking on its pier, in public parks, outdoor dining areas in its restaurants and in the Pier Plaza. This ordinance is a positive step toward improving life in the city.
The anti-smoking ordinance went into effect March 8. Those in violation of the code will face a $100 to $500 fine, as well as a criminal misdemeanor charge issued by the city after the third ticket. California anti-smoking laws have already banned smoking in any public place of employment, such as bars, restaurants and cafes. Smoking on the beach was banned in 2006 by the Hermosa Beach City Council.
This new law will further ensure the safety and cleanliness of Hermosa Beach by increasing restrictions on smokers.
This new, stricter law, first proposed in 2010, is based on smoking regulations initiated in Santa Monica and Calabasas.
According to Hermosa Beach City Manager Steve Burrell, about $19,500 has been spent on “Healthy Air Hermosa,” a public outreach program which hopes to educate local businesses on the new smoking ordinance.
This program will have positive outcomes as it will work to educate businesses and the public to the dangers of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Organizations such as the Beach Cities Health District, Surfrider Foundation and American Cancer Society have praised Hermosa Beach city leaders for taking charge and curbing exposure to secondhand smoke.
The ordinance will also reduce litter and attract more nonsmokers to local restaurants.
Some residents and businesses, however, believe the ordinance is too strict and has the potential to hurt commerce, especially in bars and restaurants that line the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza.
However, the benefits certainly outweigh these potential drawbacks. By prohibiting smoking in these public places, nonsmoking citizens will be less-exposed to secondhand smoke and its consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, secondhand smoke contains at least 250 known toxic chemicals. Nonsmokers should not be exposed to such dangers. Their experiences in public places shouldn’t be hampered by cigarette smoke and litter.
The ban also will discourage smoking all together by excluding smokers from smoking in bars and restaurants, while eliminating the litter commonly left behind by smokers. By getting rid of this litter, Hermosa Beach will be a cleaner city for tourists and residents.
Ultimately, the ordinance has the potential to bring in even more business by making Hermosa Beach family-friendly. Hermosa Beach and the entire South Bay are largely family-dominated areas; this ordinance reaffirms the healthy lifestyle encouraged throughout the area.
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