Outdoor Smoking Restrictions: Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do outdoor smoking restrictions rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach prohibits smoking and vaping at all city parks, beaches, the bike path, outdoor dining, and within 20 feet of public buildings, with limited designated smoking areas.
View full Long Beach rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles bans smoking and vaping in most outdoor public places under LAMC §41.50 and LA County Health Code Title 8 — including parks, beaches, outdoor dining areas, farmers markets, and within 25 feet of business entrances or operable windows.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LBMC Chapter 8.68 | - |
| Beaches and parks | Smoke-free | - |
| Buffer | 20 feet from entrances | - |
| E-cigarettes | Included in ban | - |
| Cannabis | Public use prohibited | - |
| City code | - | LAMC §41.50 outdoor smoking |
| Park ban | - | LAMC §63.95 parks/beaches |
| Buffer zone | - | 25 feet from entrances |
| Outdoor dining | - | Banned since 2021 |
| Vaping | - | Treated same as smoking |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Are e-cigarettes covered?
Yes. The Long Beach smoking ordinance includes electronic smoking devices, vape pens, and aerosol nicotine products. Cannabis combustion and dabbing also fall under the prohibition.
Are there any smoking areas?
Limited designated smoking areas exist at Long Beach Airport and certain large city venues. Otherwise, residents must smoke on private property at least 20 feet from public building entrances.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I smoke on a sidewalk in LA?
Only if you are 25 feet from any business entrance, operable window, or vent, and not within an outdoor dining area, bus stop, or service line under LAMC §41.50.
Is vaping treated the same as smoking?
Yes. LAMC §41.50 and ordinance 187109 cover all electronic smoking devices, e-cigarettes, and cannabis vapes alongside combustible tobacco products in restricted outdoor areas.
What about smoking on the beach?
Smoking is banned on all city and county beaches under LAMC §63.95 and county health code. State law also bans smoking on state beaches and parks since 2020.
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