City will put restrictions on smokers

Smokers will no longer be permitted to light up in public places in Moorpark once a revised smoking ordinance goes into effect this summer.

The law will bring Moorpark regulations, untouched since 1993, into compliance with state health and safety rules requiring all jurisdictions to enforce smoking restrictions in public areas and workplaces. Some of the local regulations will go beyond California requirements.

Under the new law, people will not be allowed to smoke in parks or waiting areas where the public gathers. Smoking in city-owned facilities and parking lots will also be forbidden.

The new ordinance, which is still being finalized, may forbid smoking in shopping center parking lots and may require retail centers to designate a smoking area away from business entrances, but the law won't affect apartment and condo complexes.

Signs will be posted to direct smokers to specific places where they can indulge their habit without feeling as though they are encroaching on someone else's personal space.

City leaders reviewed the new ordinance at a meeting May 20. They will finalize the municipal law June 17, once laws affecting shopping mall parking lots are addressed.

"This ordinance is long overdue," said Councilmember Mark Van Dam. "It's not a smoking ban; it simply guarantees every individual the right to enjoy Moorpark, regardless of whether they smoke or not."

According to a report prepared by Teri Davis, senior management analyst for Moorpark, many cities—Calabasas, for example— have implemented restrictive smoking laws to safeguard people in public places by reducing their chances of being exposed to harmful second-hand smoke.

"The key is education. It's no secret that smoking and secondhand smoke is a tremendous health hazard and every step should be taken to educate and protect every adult and child in Moorpark," Van Dam said.

The new ordinance, supporters said, will help both smokers and nonsmokers.

"Even the most courteous smoker can, at times, offend nonsmokers without even being aware that they are," Van Dam said.

Councilmember Roseann Mikos agreed.

"Philosophically, you have to restrict smoking, but not to the point where there is no place where someone can smoke outside without interfering with nonsmokers," she said. "If you don't allow any place, you're just asking for people to smoke anywhere and violate the law."

The law is slated to go into effect Aug. 1, after which violators can be fined. Fines will be $100 for the first offense and increase to $200 for the second- - if it occurs within 12 months of the first.

Third-time violators could face a $500 citation if they are caught within that same year.