Health officials kick off fresh air dining campaign
Department of Health officials kicked off the fresh air dining campaign today, announcing a new smoking ordinance that will be enacted next week.
Starting on Tuesday, smoking in an outdoor dining area or patio will be illegal. The new ordinance outlaws smoking within 10 feet of outdoor dining areas, and within 40 feet of kiosks, food cars and mobile food trucks.
The ban was passed to reduce and eliminate secondhand smoke.
Dr. Kathy Magliato from the American Heart Association spoke about the negative effects of secondhand smoke Tuesday at the downtown event.
“Do you know what it’s like to sit across from a patient who has no risk of factors for heart disease or lung cancer, except for that they either live with a smoker or they’re exposed to second hand smoke?” Migliato asked the audience.
Bars, nightclubs and buildings hosting private events will be an exception to the rule. Those who fail to comply with the new ordinance could face charges up to $500. Both restaurant and business owners, as well as customers, could face penalties if they violate the law.
But not everyone is convinced the new ban will be effective.
“People are just not going to go for that,” said USC student Sydney Burelli. “I mean, they’re going to light up wherever they’re going to light up.”
This smoking ban is just one of many ordinances passed to curb smoking in public and the effects of secondhand smoke. The city banned smoking within 25 feet of park areas in 2002, on beaches in 2004, in parks in 2007, and in farmer’s markets in 2008.
Several other cities have already banned smoking in outdoor dining areas, including Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, and Pasadena. But Tuesday, Los Angeles will become the largest city in the United States to take this step.
“L.A. and California have always led the way when it comes to anti-smoking, when it comes to addressing the causes of cancer, when it comes to really setting a standard,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
A study by the County Public Health Department shows there are 1 million smokers in the county and 435,000 smokers in the city of Los Angeles.
According to the American Lung Association, more than 60,000 people in the country exposed to secondhand smoke die every year.
