Smoking ban discussed

The Calabasas City Council was expected to discuss an expansion of the city smoking ban at last night's meeting.

The ordinance prohibits smoking in public places. City officials now want the ban to include apartment buildings.

"It's been extremely successful and very well received," said Councilmember Groveman. "A very, very high percentage of people are very, very pleased with it."

The council also planned to review the results of a study commissioned by the American Lung Association of California's Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing.

"Eighty percent approve the law," said Kimberly Weich Reusche, director of the Center. "This kind of support for public policy is extremely unusual."

The law, which went into effect in March 2006, bans smoking in all outdoor public places except designated smoking areas that are at least 20 feet from building entrances, walkways and other locations where nonsmokers might be. Smokers who light up are guilty of a misdemeanor and can be fined $500.