An expansion of the Manhattan Beach, Calif. smoking ban met no opposition on Tuesday night as the city council voted 5-0 in favor of prohibiting smoking in a majority of public places. The passage of the proposal does not come as much of a surprise, as it has been in the works since early February when the council unanimously directed city staff to prepare an ordinance. With its passage, smoking–including the use of e-cigarettes–is now banned on public property, streets, alleys, sidewalks and parking lots, as well as on the outdoor dining areas of restaurants. It does not create restrictions on private property, however. Violators of the ban would be subject to being cited for an infraction, which is punishable by a fine up to $100 for the first offense, up to $200 for the second offense and up to $500 for third and subsequent offenses. The ordinance must go through an additional vote on June 17 before it can become law, which would happen 31 days after. The full text of the ordinance can be read here, and the initial report on the vote was made by The Beach Reporter. Manhattan Beach is located in southwestern Los Angeles county and has ...
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