Electronic cigarettes will be banned in all non-smoking areas in Santa Monica beginning today, including the Santa Monica Pier, beaches and the Third Street Promenade.
An ordinance approved by the City Council last month outlaws e-cigarettes in any place where traditional smoking is already banned.
Those areas include beaches, public parks, libraries, outdoor dining areas, bus stops, ATM lines and within 20 feet of doors and windows of buildings that are open to the public.
The use of e-cigarettes will also be banned in residential areas where smoking is already prohibited, including non-smoking apartment and condo units and common areas of multi-unit buildings.
“Vaping” will also be prohibited inside all businesses, including vaping lounges — although the two “vape shops” already licensed in the city, Fix Vapor and Vapor Delight, will be exempted.
Businesses that sell electronic cigarettes will have to obtain a license from the city.
