Long Beach facing possible changes in non-smoking ordinance

The city of Long Beach is looking to make some potential changes to its non-smoking ordinance.

The city’s Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening and discussed some new recommendations from the American Heart Association regarding public smoking ordinances.

Currently, the non-smoking ordinance in Long Beach prohibits smoking in all indoor public locations, excluding approved smoking areas in tobacco shops and cigar lounges. The ordinance also applies to outdoor locations such as beaches and parks.

Potential additions to the ordinance combat a rise in vaping and e-cigarette use.

Long Beach Alderman-At-Large Donald Frazer explained why these changes are important.

“One of the biggest health crises that you see when people talk are smoking: the dangers of it,” Frazer said. “We’re working with that in our school system, and we’re just looking to take the next step to cover the city as well.”

The next steps for revamping the city of Long Beach smoking ordinance include community input and more meetings among the Board. These changes are expected to continue to develop within the next 30 days.