New smoking ban considered by Santa Barbara City Council

Santa Barbara City Council members voted to update smoking ordinance by increasing smoking bans in public areas.

Supporters want it to prohibit second-hand smoke in the entrances of businesses along State Street where they said smokers often loiter.

A new ordinance could also ban smoking at public events such as farmer’s markets and on busy sidewalks.

Public Health grades cities for second-hand smoke and Santa Barbara currently has a D grade.

Aurelio Bocanegra watched the vote and said, “It is not a done deal yet, but I am glad to have heard it at least got a vote of five to two, which I think is a step in right direction.”

Michael Merenda,a local activist, believes businesses do better when smoking is banned.