California has one of the most comprehensive set of anti-smoking laws in the union, but that won't stop LA smokers from smoking anywhere they want thanks to the advent of the E-Cigarette.
An E-Cigarette is said to be wildly growing in popularity. The battery-operated cigarette claims to provide odorless nicotine without the cigarette tar and other carcinogen additives. It also produces a vapor mist, which is said to look just like tobacco smoke.
The E-Cigarettes starter's kit will run about $80- $150. The FDA has not approved them and they are not available for purchase in the US. Their entry into the states is also prohibited, but it hasn't stopped people from ordering them online according to a New York Times article (1).
Currently, the smoking ordinances in California and West LA include:
- No smoking in enclosed workplaces and within 20 feet of these spaces. This is inclusive of restaurants, bars, no more than 65% of hotel space, and moving vehicles while a minor is riding in the car.
In addition to the above laws, the following cities have included further bans:
- Beverly Hills: No smoking allowed in any outdoor dining areas or city parks.
- Los Angeles: Smoking banned in all city parks.
- Santa Monica: No smoking allowed in city parks, outdoor dining area, on third street promenade, on beaches or santa monica pier, all common areas of a multi-family condominium building.
(1): http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/us/02cigarette.html?_r=1&em
Image courtesy of E Cigarettes Choice.
