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In a 5-2 vote, the Redwood City Council approved an ordinance that would bring new prohibitions on smoking in public places and strengthen penalties.
“Secondhand smoke is a real problem, it’s toxic and it kills,” said Council member Diane Howard. “I’m glad that we are addressing it.”
The ordinance amends Redwood City Municipal Code Chapter 15, which discusses smoking regulations. The amendment will ban smoking in pedestrian malls, which are areas restricted from vehicle traffic and designated solely for walking. Currently, there is only one pedestrian mall on Broadway in Redwood City. The ordinance will also ban smoking within 20 feet of restaurant and bar entrances, exits, and operable windows.
Anyone who breaks the rules can be fined or given a citation by law enforcement and code enforcement officers. The penalty for a first violation is a fine of up to $100. A second violation within one year can result in a fine of up to $200. Any further breaches within the same year may lead to a fine of up to $500.
The staff report mentioned how tobacco remains a serious public health risk. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco causes over 8 million deaths globally each year, including around 1.2 million non-smokers who die from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Before the change to the city charter, the Redwood City Municipal Code prohibited smoking in all indoor public spaces, including workplaces, in and around multi-unit residences, in all city parks and at Courthouse Square.
California laws prohibit outdoor smoking within 25 feet of the common commerce area of certified farmers’ markets, such as Redwood City’s Kiwanis Farmers’ Market, and within 20 feet of the main exits, entrances, and operable windows of state, county, and city government buildings, including City Hall, public libraries, and park buildings like community centers. Smoking is also banned within 25 feet of playgrounds or tot lot sandbox areas, within 250 feet of youth sports events, and throughout state parks and coastal beaches. Additionally, smoking is not allowed inside foster or group homes or outside these homes when children are present.
During the meeting, Council member Chris Sturken proposed an amendment to the ordinance requiring law enforcement to issue a warning with no fine for the first violation, “giving individuals the opportunity to comply without immediately facing a penalty.”
“While I agree with the intent of the ordinance to protect public health and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, I believe that the proposed penalties, specifically the lack of a warning for first-time offenders, harm rather than help our community,” Sturken said.
Other council members like Jeff Gee pointed out that the police already have the discretion to issue a verbal or written warning to someone who commits a violation.
Council member Isabella Chu noted that it does not take long to rack up $100 worth of cigarettes. According to World Population Review, the average price for a cigarette pack in California is $9.63.
But Sturken argued that for many families, a $100 fine for a first offense and a $500 fine for a third could be enough to determine whether they can keep their housing or face homelessness.
He also said that no data is available on how officers exercise discretion or whether written and verbal warnings were issued equitably across different communities.
The council members voted the amendment down, except for Sturken and Council member Marcella Padilla.
The council finally voted on the city staff’s original recommendation, which was passed by electronic vote, with Sturken and Padilla opposing it.
