Smoking in public could soon become a thing of the past in Laguna Beach. The City became the first in Orange County to ban smoking in a unanimous vote by the City Council Tuesday. The law takes effect 30 days after a second reading.
Under the new rules, smoking will be limited to cars and the insides of homes. The law applies to vaping and other smokeless devices as well, with a $100 fine for the first offense and up to $500 for a third infraction.
Over 70 cities have enacted outdoor smoking bans so far. Laguna Beach had already banned smoking at beaches, parks and restaurants. Most Laguna residents were in favor of the prohibition, though some worried about its impact on the many European visitors who frequent the town each year.
Read more about the ordinance here.