South Gate : Smoking Will Be Banned in City Buildings, Vehicles

Smoking will be banned beginning Feb. 25 from all city-owned or operated buildings and vehicles.

The City Council proposed the ban Nov. 11 during the Great American Smokeout. It applies to City Hall, parks and recreation buildings, the Police Department (which already has a voluntary ban) and the city museum and art association offices.

“We’ve done this out of concern for the effects of secondary smoke on other people. It’s a health measure,” said Robert E. Turner, assistant city manager. A staff report said secondhand smoke “can result in permanent damage to the lungs and cardiovascular system” and increase the risk of cancer.