Smoking Ban Voted in City Buildings

HERMOSA BEACH — The City Council has unanimously voted to prohibit smoking in city-owned buildings and impose fines of up to $500 for violations.

The ordinance prohibits smoking in council chambers; the Civic Theatre; public elevators; public restrooms in parks, City Hall and the Community Center, the Community Center gym and public counters and reception areas in City Hall and the police and fire stations. Smoking will be prohibited in rental rooms in community centers when they are used for public purposes.

The ordinance, which will be enforced by the Public Safety Department, will be punishable by a $100 fine for a first violation; a $200 fine for a second violation within one year and a $500 fine for each additional violation within a year.

Councilman John Cioffi was absent, but supported the ordinance on its introduction.