Temecula Tightens Tobacco Rules; Smoking Ban Up For Discussion

TEMECULA, CA — Temecula has levied some restrictions on tobacco in the city, but an outright ban on smoking in public spaces is not one of them ... yet.

During Tuesday night's City Council meeting, the council is expected to formally approve amendments made to the city's tobacco ordinance. During the August 22 City Council meeting, councilmembers voted 4-0 to adopt key updates that include restricting the number of smoke shops that can open in the city to one per 10,000 Temecula residents; keeping smoke shops out of local neighborhoods and away from sensitive areas like schools; and banning neon signs that promote tobacco products.

Tuesday's vote is simply a formality.

The recent amendments were the work of city staff and a subcommittee made up of Councilmembers Jessica Alexander and Brenden Kalfus.

Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank praised the updated tobacco restrictions but questioned why the amendments didn't include an outright ban on smoking in public spaces.

Alexander said she believed it would infringe on individual freedom.

"I wasn't OK with that," she explained, noting that she is a former smoker who now despises smoke.

Kalfus wanted a prohibition but said he appreciated Alexander's concern.

Schwank countered that a ban could improve residents' health, particularly youth who can be subjected to secondhand smoke on Temecula sidewalks.

"I do think it's something that should come back [for discussion]," Schwank said of a possible ban.

Alexander agreed that a broader conversation with added stakeholders was warranted. She committed to reaching out to community groups for feedback, though no dates were set.

Prior to Aug. 22, the last time Temecula's tobacco ordinance was updated was in 2006 — long before vaping.

Several California cities have smoking bans in place. In April, the Encinitas City Council adopted a citywide ban that prohibits smoking on sidewalks and even inside parked vehicles. The prohibition also makes it illegal to smoke in any area within 20 feet of a public place.

Note: During the Aug. 22 Temecula City Council meeting, Councilmember Curtis Brown was absent.