REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.35 ("Smoking and Tobacco Regulations") of Title 8 ("Health and Safety") of "The Code of the City of Santa Clara, California" to Modify Smoking and Tobacco Regulations
Report
BACKGROUND
At the January 15, 2019 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 1996 was passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, proposed Ordinance No. 1996 was published on January 23, 2019, and copies were posted in three public places.
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 exposure to secondhand smoke.
The State of California currently prohibits smoking in all state, county, and city government build...
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