The Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC) developed this Model Ordinance to help California cities and counties limit tobacco use and unwanted exposure to secondhand smoke in outdoor areas. As the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke become increasingly well documented, one of the most important steps a community can take to protect and improve its residents’ health is to create more smokefree or tobacco-free spaces. By addressing outdoor tobacco use, this Model Ordinance also helps limit tobacco-related litter.

To assist cities and counties create smokefree and tobacco-free outdoor areas, this Model
Ordinance includes

• Extensive findings based on the latest scientific information documenting the health risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke;
• Prohibitions on smoking in outdoor places including parks and other recreational areas, restaurant patios, bus stops, public event sites, and common areas of multi-unit housing;
• Optional language that can be included to prohibit all tobacco use in outdoor places;
• Requirements for posting No Smoking signs; and
• Robust enforcement mechanisms including the option for private individuals and organizations to enforce the no-smoking provisions of this ordinance.

You can also download the Smokefree Outdoor Areas Checklist, which highlights key policy options available in the ordinance.