Manhattan Beach could soon join a growing list of California cities that have strictly banned cigarette smoking in public areas.
The South Bay city already bans smoking in parks, beaches and workplaces. But city officials, citing second-hand smoke health risks and cigarette-butt litter, have called a town hall meeting Monday night to discuss going further and forbidding smoking on sidewalks, at all public events and more.
"People tend to want to be outdoors... and they just don't want to be subjected to second-hand smoke," City Councilman Wayne Powell said.
The proposed tightened enforcement would bring Manhattan Beach in line with several other smoke-free cities including Hermosa Beach, Calabasas, San Luis Obispo, Camarillo, Moorpark and El Cajon.
The meeting is scheduled to begin 6:30 p.m. at the City Council chambers in Manhattan Beach City Hall (map), 1400 Highland Ave.
