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Starting yesterday, the city of Manhattan Beach imposed one of the strictest smoking bans in the state, banning both cigarettes and e-cigarettes from all street, sidewalks, and outdoor dining areas.
The ban is an expansion of the previous city ordinance that banned only cigarettes specifically from public parks and beaches. Now, smoking is only allowed on private property, in hotel and motel rooms, and from moving vehicles. The ban won't seem to affect too many people, as a survey found that only 7% of Manhattan Beach residents are smokers according to NBC 4.
Residents and visitors will be given a one-month grace period as the word spreads about the ban. City officials hope that people will have the self-control to keep up with the law in order to not strain police resources. If you do happen to be caught breaking the ban, a first-time ticket can cost at least $100, or about two cartons of Marlboro Reds.
