REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Introduction of an Ordinance Modifying Smoking and Tobacco Regulations, Grant from the County of Santa Clara's Healthy Cities Program - Tobacco-Free Communities Fund, and Related Budget Amendment
Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Santa Clara has very limited local regulations restricting smoking beyond what is already prohibited by State law. Exposure to secondhand smoke has been found to have negative health impacts. The proposed Ordinance would modify the City's existing smoking regulations and prohibit smoking in certain areas including public parks, outdoor dining, service areas and multi-unit residences.
BACKGROUND
Santa Clara has very limited local regulations restricting smoking beyond what is already prohibited by State law. As a follow-up from an April 2017 presentation by Breathe California to the Economic Development Committee on smoke-free outdoor dining, a study session on the topic coupled with the discussion of Proposition 64 was presented to the Council on August 22, 2017. The Council directed staff to seek community input and return with an amendment to the City's smoking ordinance for the Council's consideration.
The dangers of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke have been well documented. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, smoking remains the single largest cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Smokers are at a greater risk of developing cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, eye disease, and adverse reproductive effects. Nonsmokers who are exposed to frequent and recurring secondhand smoke are also at greater risk for health problems such as lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, asthma, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In 2006, the California Air Resources Board placed secondhand smoke in the same category as the most toxic automotive and industrial air pollutants by categorizing it as a Toxic Air Contaminant. There is no risk-free level of expos...
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