New Law Makes
Playground Tobacco-Free

The California Legislature recently passed a new, statewide smoke-free playgrounds law that prohibits smoking and disposing of cigarettes within 25 feet of a playground or tot lot sandbox area.

Law Summary

Health and Safety Code Section 104495 prohibits the following:

  • Smoking any cigarette, cigar, or other tobacco-related product within 25 feet of a playground or tot lot sandbox area --- a designated play area for children 5 and younger.
  • Disposing of any tobacco-related waste within a playground or tot lot sandbox area, including cigarettes, cigarette butts and cigar butts.
  • Intimidating or retaliating against another person who seeks compliance with the law.

Violators of the law are subject to a fine of $250 for each violation. For more information on this law contact your local health department's Tobacco Control Program.

This law does not prevent local governments from developing ordinances that are more restrictive.

What More Can Be Done to Make Your Parks Smoke-free?

Many cities and counties in California are taking the next step to protect their communities by creating outdoor smoke-free ordinances. These range from smoke-free public places and events (Davis), to smoke-free recreation areas (Rancho Cucamonga), to completely smoke-free parks (San Fernando). Your support for a smoke-free ordinance in your city will make a difference in the health and welfare of all community members.

 

 

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