Enforcement Of Walnut Creek's New Anti-Smoking Restrictions Scheduled To Begin In Late January

If you live in an apartment building and you smoke, you might want to either move or kick the habit by late January.

The Walnut Creek City Council approved plans on Tuesday night to implement the city's new anti-smoking regulations.

The ordinance officially became law last week. There is a 90-day compliance period, so enforcement will start in late January.

The new regulations were approved on Oct. 1. They ban smoking throughout downtown as well as in apartments, condominiums and within 25 feet of doors and windows.

On Tuesday night, the council also denied requests by Councilman Justin Wedel to delay implementation of the ordinance until it can be voted on by the public.

Wedel also askedv the council to delay directives to city staff to come up with an ordinance that bans plastic carry-out bags at businesses in Walnut Creek.

Wedel announced last week he is starting a petition drive to put both items on the June ballot.

The council rejected Wedel's request to delay the items. However, they voted 4-1 to put the items back on the agenda if Wedel collects enough valid signatures to place the measures on the ballot.

Councilwoman Loella Haskew was the only "no" vote.