Tobacco News

A no-exemptions smoking ban proposal got some unexpected support last week from an unlikely coalition.

An association that represents approximately 1,300 bar owners, employees and patrons called on the Indianapolis City Council to adopt such a law so long as it applies across the board with no special exemptions granted.

Ironically, the same group launched an intense lobbying campaign two years ago against another smoke ban proposal the City Council was considering.
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The City Council voted Tuesday to restrict smoking in new hotels, but held off implementing rules on multi-unit housing until staff could address concerns about privacy and compatibility with federal and state financing laws.

If passed on second reading, the new rule will ban smoking from all new hotels and allow existing hotel owners to designate their hotels smoking or non-smoking.

The change will have an immediate impact as at least one application to build a new hotel is expected within the next 90 days, said City Manager Rod Gould.
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The Austin City Council voted Thursday to ban smoking in city parks. The time for such a ban has come.

Cities have been moving away from tolerating smoking in public places for a few decades; proposals to ban smoking in city parks are now part of that trend. Hundreds of cities in the United States have banned smoking in their outdoor spaces. We support the council’s decision to make Austin one of them. Ream more »

The government in Papua New Guinea is to introduce sweeping measures to outlaw smoking in public places.The new laws are expected to face widespread community opposition in a country where tobacco consumption is a national pastime.

A recent survey found more than 70 percent of households in Papua New Guinea contained at least one smoker, while another study showed more than half of children aged between 13 and 15 smoke. Ream more »

In 30 days, all smoking and tobacco use will be stubbed out in Vancouver’s parks and recreation centers.

Following lengthy testimony from public health officials and residents concerned about discrimination against smokers, the city council approved the controversial new law unanimously Monday night.
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Bali visitors as well as locals might find it harder to smoke on the tropical island after the provincial legislature passed a new bylaw on Anti-Smoking Areas on Monday.

“I want all people to be healthy and the bylaw is an implementation of the 2009 Health Law,” Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said after attending the Bali legislative council (DPRD) plenary meeting.

“Regarding this smoking ban in tourism centers, I think tourists will understand. Instead, it is Bali’s people who often do not understand.” Ream more »

Smokers may soon find even fewer places to light up in Mountain View as a ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas is set to come before the City Council early next year.

A meeting is set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, for residents to discuss the proposal inside the plaza conference room at City Hall.

The proposed ban would mean no smoking allowed at most outdoor dining areas within city limits, including those of restaurants and picnic areas in public parks. Ream more »

The Pendleton Town Council on Monday passed a long-debated ordinance that restricts public smoking.

The ordinance, named “Sandra’s Law” in honor of resigning council member Sandra Gantt, was a year in the making. For the second time council members Bruce Kalley and Frank Crenshaw voted against the ordinance, which goes into effect in February.
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Hermosa Beach is the latest Southern California city to ban smoking in outdoor areas, a decision that makes it illegal to light up in outdoor dining areas, parks and the city pier.

With the ban, which takes effect in March, Hermosa Beach will join Los Angeles, which began instituting a similar but less restrictive ban earlier this year. Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Calabasas and other cities have similar smoking restrictions. Ream more »

The governing body approved a smoking ban at municipal recreation facilities last week despite a plea from an advocate for electronic cigarettes.

Smokers of cigars, cigarettes, pipes, electronic cigarettes and other similar devices will no longer be able to light up on municipal sites such as the ball fields, bleachers or any place labeled with “smoke-free zone” signs without the possibility of a $50 fine.
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