Politics & Government
Walnut Creek's New Law: It's No Joke, You Can't Smoke
Walnut Creek now has the second toughest smoking law in Contra Costa.
The Walnut Creek City Council, in a 4-1 vote Tuesday, agreed to ban smoking throughout downtown, in all new and existing apartments, condominiums, in all public spaces, and within 25 feet of doors or windows.
The new law makes Walnut Creek's the second-toughest smoking ban in the county, according to the Contra Costa Times. The first fine will be $100, the second $200, the third $500, and after that the city attorney can sue the offender. Signs will soon be posted downtown warning smokers of the law, and offering a phone number for those who want to report an offender.
The sole vote against the new law was councilman Justin Wedel, who said he supports people not smoking, but opposes government dictating what property owners can and cannot do on their property.
What do you think? Is the new law a good thing, or does it go too far?
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