Whittier : Council Calls for Ordinance to Ban Smoking in Public

The City Council has directed staff members to draft an ordinance that would ban smoking in public places in Whittier, including public buildings, restaurants, health facilities and motel rooms. The council also will consider prohibiting cigarette vending machines in public places.

“Basically we are in favor of the consideration of a full ban, so let’s go from there,” Mayor Thomas K. Sawyer said. Council members said they would discuss limitations on the ban once the staff returns with a proposed ordinance.

Smoking is currently prohibited in all city-owned buildings.

Nearby Bellflower already has enacted a strict anti-smoking law, banning all smoking in restaurants and most other public places. Other Southeast cities are considering similar restrictions.