SAN FERNANDO VALLEY : 4 West Valley Malls to Ban Smoking Sept. 1

Citing the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and suggestion boxes crammed with complaints, four west San Fernando Valley malls are going cold turkey and will ban smoking beginning Sept. 1, including the one center that devoted a special area to smokers.

Topanga Plaza, Northridge Fashion Center, Fallbrook Mall and the Promenade at Woodland Hills said the no-smoking policy will go into effect next month, the result of discussions among the mall managers that began in mid-June.

“We’re responding to what the majority of our customers want to see, a smoke-free environment,” said Kimberly D. Solomon, general manager of the 55-store Woodland Hills center. Solomon said management at all four malls will provide designated smoking areas outside the enclosed shopping area.