ENCINITAS, Calif. — The Encinitas City Council passed one of the strictest smoking bans in San Diego County in a 3-0 vote.
After hearing both sides, the city has moved forward to broaden its smoking ban.
If you want to smoke in Encinitas you will have to do it in the comfort of your own home or while driving.
The city passed the ordinance that now prohibits people from smoking in any area within 20 feet of a public place including employments with a state licensing.
In Encinitas, smokers are already banned from lighting up cigarettes at beaches, city parks, trails, and outdoor dining areas.
According to the city's staff report, the San Diego Sheriff's Department would be in charge of enforcing the new policy by patrolling the area.
In 2022, deputies issued 60 citations for smoking in outdoor dining areas where the current ban prohibits smoking.
The proposal was introduced last year, but it's one that locals are still split on.
“I like it, I think they should pass it,” said a resident in Encinitas.
“Well I personally think it’s the city overstepping their boundaries,” said Alessandro Semantis, another resident who enjoys smoking.
According to city statements the ordinance would prohibit smoking in any area within 20 feet of a public place including employment.
Those in support of the ban said this could reduce littering. In 2020, Surfrider Foundation collected over 52,000 cigarette butts from San Diego County beaches.
Those who are supporters of the stricter policies also hope it could discourage smoking.
Smokers on the other hand call it an overreach and believe city government should not be allowed to pass a law like this.
The city will decide the fate of this ordinance on Wednesday and will present how enforcement will be handled during their city council meeting.
WATCH RELATED: Encinitas considering a smoking ban in public places (Sep. 2022).
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET CBS 8:
ADD THE CBS8+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE Roku | Amazon Fire