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1. Why did the City Council adopt a new smoking ordinance?

In order to promote and protect public health, safety, and general welfare, the Alhambra City Council adopted an ordinance updating chapter 9.18 of the Alhambra Municipal Code to identify additional areas where smoking is prohibited. Ordinance Number O2M21-4785 (PDF) prohibits smoking in all public places, including outdoor dining areas, parks or public grounds (excluding the Alhambra Municipal Golf Course), public event areas, service areas, sidewalks, common areas of multi-unit housing, within 20 feet of any vent or enclosed area and any outdoor job or work sites. The ordinance is further intended to ensure a cleaner and more hygienic environment for the city, its residents and visitors, and its natural resources.

2. Which public areas are affected by the new ordinance?

The ordinance applies citywide to any indoor or outdoor public place publicly or privately owned, including but not limited to sidewalks, streets, outdoor dining areas, parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths, gardens, hiking trails, athletic field restrooms, concession areas, service areas such as information kiosks, ATMs, bus stops or shelters, and at public events areas including a farmers' market, parade, fair or festival.

3. Does the ordinance apply to private residential property?

No. The ordinance does not apply to private residential property (i.e., single-family homes).

4. How are multi-unit residential properties affected?

Smoking is prohibited in any common area of a multi-unit residence except in landlord-designated areas at least 20 feet from other prohibited areas. A multi-unit residence is defined as a property having five or more units. Common areas include lobbies, laundry rooms, outdoor eating areas, play areas, and swimming pools. Common areas do not include private balconies or patios for the exclusive use of a resident.

5. Where else is smoking prohibited?

Smoking is also prohibited in places of employment, in City facilities, on City property, and on the property of other governmental bodies. Smoking is prohibited on outdoor job or work sites (except in employer-designated areas at least 20 feet from other prohibited areas).

6. When will the new ordinance go into effect?

The ordinance will go into effect on June 20, 2021.

7. Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Smoking is only permitted in these areas in the City of Alhambra:

• On private residential property, other than those used as a child-care or health-care facility
• Within a vehicle
• The ordinance excludes the Alhambra Municipal Golf Course

8. Does the new ordinance address electronic cigarettes and vaping?

Yes. Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, along with all tobacco and marijuana products, are included in the City's definition of smoking and are prohibited wherever the use of cigarettes is prohibited.

9. What about hotels, motels, or bed and breakfast establishments?

Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast establishments may establish their own rules permitting or prohibiting smoking on portions of their property that is not open to the public, including guest rooms, pools, and similar facilities and areas.

10. How will these new regulations be enforced?

The ordinance is intended to be self-enforcing. However, any police or code enforcement officer will respond to smoking violations if needed. In the rare case of non-compliance, the City has the ability to issue a citation.

11. How much are the fines if someone is caught violating the ordinance?

Violations of the ordinance are considered an infraction and penalties range from $100 for first violation, $200 for second violation, and $500 for third violation.