Santa Barbara City discussing smoking ban in public areas

Smokers could have trouble finding a place to smoke if certain laws in Santa Barbara get passed.

The City of Santa Barbara is inviting everyone to a public hearing and discussion on Tuesday, November 22 from noon to 2 p.m. at City Hall. At the meeting, the Council Ordinance Committee will listen to the public and make recommendations to ban outdoor smoking.

The smoking ban would affect anyone who uses tobacco, vaping devices and medical marijuana.

The following areas are being considered for a possible ban on smoking: beaches, parks and sports fields, Stearns Wharf, Harbor, outdoor restaurant patio areas, commercial sidewalks and Paseos, parking lots and structures, entryways to public buildings, community centers, libraries, recreation facilities, public events, farmer markets, concerts, parades and outdoor work sites.

Residents can also send an email to smoking@SantaBarbaraCA.gov to address concerns.

The ordinance committee will meet again in 2017 to further discuss the ordinance.