The new ordinance went into effect at the beginning of the month.
From the city of Calabasas:
As of July 1, 2014 Calabasas City Ordinance 2014-315 bans the use of e-cigarettes anywhere in the city that smoking is prohibited and will allow their use only in areas designated for smoking.
The vapors from e-cigarettes contain chemicals that have been found harmful including acetaldehyde, benzene, cadmium, formaldehyde and other compounds. Because these chemicals pose a potential health risk to both those who use them and those who are exposed to the vapors, the Calabasas City Council voted to include electronic cigarettes in the city’s secondhand smoke prohibition. Those who violate the ordinance face a potential fine of up to $500.
“We take our responsibility to protect the health of our residents and visitors to Calabasas very seriously,” said Calabasas Mayor David J. Shapiro. “This ordinance is another important step in our ongoing efforts.” Calabasas officials clarified that the city does not seek to regulate the rights and habits of smokers, only to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vapors. E-cigarettes are included in the city’s tobacco retailer registration program to make sure they aren’t sold to minors.
For more information and to read the ordinance, please visit:
