Long Beach, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Beach smoking ban
- LBMC § 8.68.065: all sand and water areas
- Park smoking ban
- LBMC § 8.68.066: all improved City parks
- Outdoor dining
- Banned except after 11:00 p.m. (§ 8.68.090(B))
- Bus stop buffer
- 20 feet, LBMC § 8.68.075
- Administering agency
- Long Beach Dept. of Health & Human Services
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
Summary
Long Beach bans smoking in improved City parks, beaches, the beach bike path, bus stops and most outdoor dining areas under LBMC §§ 8.68.065, 8.68.066 and 8.68.090. The Department of Health and Human Services administers the ban, with fines up to $500 for repeat offenses.
8.68.066 - Smoking prohibited—City parks and other recreation areas. A. Smoking shall be prohibited in any outdoor area that has been improved or developed by or on behalf of the City, and open to the general public for park or open space use, including, but not limited to, public parks, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports or playing fields, walking paths, gardens, hiking trails, bike paths, and any other areas designated a park by the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to Municipal golf courses, or permitted activities, including, but not limited to filming and/or special events.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
066(A) prohibits smoking "in any outdoor area that has been improved or developed by or on behalf of the City, and open to the general public for park or open space use, including, but not limited to, public parks, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports or playing fields, walking paths, gardens, hiking trails, bike paths," with an exception for municipal golf courses and permitted filming or special events. 065 separately prohibits smoking on "all sand areas and adjacent water areas of City beaches, the beach bike path and beach launch ramps," again excepting permitted concessions and events.
075 bans smoking within 20 feet of any bus stop. , with narrow carve-outs for 18-and-over drinking establishments and short special-event permits limited to ten consecutive days and twice a year per site. 090(C)). 120. 150, the ordinance is administered and complaints are investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services. A. County Department of Public Health that covers most other cities in the county.
Violations & Fines
Violating any smoking prohibition in Chapter 8.68 is an infraction under § 8.68.200: a fine not exceeding $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation within a year, and $500 for a third and each subsequent violation within a year. Employers, businesses and event operators face the same schedule for failing to post required signage or enforce no-smoking areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on the beach in Long Beach?
Is there any time I can smoke on a restaurant patio?
Who enforces the outdoor smoking ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.