19-08 - Los Angeles County Smoke-Free Policy
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SMOKE-FREE POLICY
On February 27, 2019, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances (LACC), updating definitions of “smoke” and “smoking” to include electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes and vape pens) and cannabis.
The amendments also expand prohibitions on smoking on County property, in and around bars and restaurants, beaches, parks, and parking lots in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The following is a brief summary of areas affected by the new amendments:
2.126.40 LACC - Smoking Prohibited in County Facilities and Vehicle
This section was amended to declare ALL facilities owned or leased by the County, where areas are not open to the sky, shall be designated “no smoking areas,” and includes language directing that ALL County vehicles shall be designated as “no smoking” vehicles.
Subsections D1-3 were added to prohibit smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices in the following areas of County facilities:
- Within 50 feet of operable entry or exit door or operable window, and within 25 feet of access ramp or handicap path;
- Within any County parking lot, parking structure, or parking garage, whether enclosed or open to the sky; and
- Within any driving range and indoor/outdoor eating area of any County golf course.
11.64.030 LACC - Smoking Prohibited in Designated Areas
This section was amended to order that smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices, or allowing smoking or the use of electronic smoking devices is prohibited in the following places within the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles:
- Elevators open to the public;
- Bus stops;
- Museums and libraries (no longer allowed to designate a smoking area); and
- Any indoor area of every private or public health care facility, including hospitals, and outdoor areas of County owned or operated healthcare facilities;
- Within 40 feet of any mobile food or temporary food facility, including trucks and carts that serve food to patrons; and
- Within 25 feet of any outdoor area of an eating establishment or bar set aside for use by patrons.
17.04.645 LACC - Smoking Prohibited
This section was amended to order that smoke from the use of electronic smoking devices shall be prohibited at all parks, including parking areas designated for use by the public, within the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles.
17.12.365 LACC - Smoking Prohibited
This section was amended to order that smoking is prohibited within any area of a public beach, including parking areas designated for use by the public, within the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles.
Enforcement
The new amendments to the above existing codes become effective and are enforceable starting April 25, 2019. A violation of any of the Los Angeles County Smoke-Free ordinance codes remains an infraction and can be cited as County code violations.
Policy
All Department employees shall follow Department policy regarding any form of smoking while on duty and while operating a County vehicle.
If you have any questions, please call or email Field Operations Support Services at [REDACTED TEXT]
References