TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney, in collaboration with the Long Beach Health Department, to prepare an ordinance within 45 days amending the Long Beach Municipal Code to prohibit smoking at and within 20 feet of all bus stops.
DISCUSSION
Cigarette smoking in public spaces is both a health danger and a nuisance. Second hand smoke is a known cause of cancer and heart disease, and can increase the symptoms of asthma. Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemical compounds, 11 of which are known to be carcinogens, and is responsible for 5-10 thousand deaths of non-smokers each year in California.
Smoking at public bus stops especially affects the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income residents, as these groups of people often rely completely on public transit for their transportation needs. Thousands of children also ride the buses to school every day, and many bus stops are shared by Long Beach Transit and LBUSD. It is unfair to subject bus riders to dangerous and irritating smoke, especially those riders who have no other means of transportation, and those who are particularly vulnerable to smoke.
Smoking at bus stops also often results in increased litter, as smokers leave their butts and filters on the ground.
Many other cities, including Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena, have prohibited smoking at bus stops and within 20 feet of all service line waiting areas. Long Beach Transit and the City Attorney have confirmed this measure is within the purview of the City Council.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERT GARCIA
FIRST DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER SUJA LOWENTHAL
SECOND DISTRICT