Manhattan Beach bans retail tobacco sales as of January

By Lexie Blakeman 

News Editor

The City of Manhattan Beach has a long history of recognizing and addressing the dangers to public health arising from the use of tobacco products. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), America’s oldest anti-tobacco organization, has applauded the City of Manhattan Beach’s tobacco sales ban; meanwhile, residents have opposing views on the legislation.  

“Cigarettes have become so normalized that to some this might seem like a drastic step,” ASH policy director Chris Bostic said. “But if another product emerged tomorrow that was highly addictive and killed when used as intended, of course we’d ban its sale.”

In support of addressing the public health crisis arising from the sharp increase in the use of vape products, on Nov. 5, 2019, Manhattan Beach City Council voted to prohibit the sale of vape products in Manhattan Beach. As of Jan. 1, businesses are no longer permitted to sell tobacco products of any kind, including vape products. Several bar owners along Manhattan Beach Boulevard said in June that they support the ban when the city decided to approve the anti-smoking legislation. 

“It’s just way too harsh,” Manhattan Beach resident Christina Pidlaski, a smoker who recently switched to e-cigarettes said. “It’s one thing to try and make the city a healthier place. I think you should be promoting e-cigs for people like me who have been trying to quit for a long time. Now, I’m going to get in trouble for that too; I don’t think it’s fair at all.”

Hardship exemptions were granted to four businesses ranging from six months to one year, at which time the products will be phased out completely. Manhattan Beach City Council has adopted measures as early as 2004 to prohibit smoking on the beach, strand, greenbelt, all public places, places of employment and multi-unit residences located in Manhattan Beach. 

“If you’re walking to our shops here, if you’re dining on the patios, smoking is no longer allowed in those areas,” Sona Coffee, the City’s Environmental Program manager said. “The reason for that is we want to protect all of our visitors, all of our residents, from the impacts of second-hand smoke.”

According to a study conducted by Manhattan Beach, only around seven percent of residents considered themselves regular smokers. Officials are hoping that the new legislation is self-enforced by residents so that there is no need for the police to intervene. A month-long grace period will be allotted for visitors, residents and businesses to adjust to the new restrictions on smoking in Manhattan Beach. 

“If you’re a smoker, it’s not the best law that’s passed,” Dr. Brian Fassel said, who was visiting Manhattan Beach from Colorado. “But I think that more and more people are getting away from smoking, so just because someone chooses to have a vice doesn’t mean I should have to pay for it or be forced to suffer the negative consequences of their vice.”