Lighting up could soon become more challenging in Palo Alto, as the city gets ready to consider even tighter smoking restrictions.
The city council is expected to extend an existing ban Monday to all commercial areas including downtown and the Stanford Shopping Center. The ban would also include all dining areas.
Right now, smoking is banned within 25 feet of doorways at businesses.
The proposed new restrictions would include all commercial areas and it would also apply to e-cigarettes.
Palo Alto City Councilman Greg Scharff said he welcomes the ban.
"I definitely support [the ban]. First of all, it would make enforcement so much easier. It's a lot cleaner downtown and on California Avenue" he said. "Right now, you can't smoke within 25 feet of a doorway. But no one really knows what that means, but to say you can't smoke on University Avenue, that's a lot clearer."
Some residents said the ban would make the air healthier.
"I personally think that it's good for people's health, not to be smoking," East Palo Alto resident Lance Newby said. "So, I think it's a good thing to help people out with pushing them towards better health."
Elliott Wright of Palo Alto has a baby and said he does not want smoke affecting his child's health.
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"I think this ban actually is the correct move," Wright said. "Another's right to smoke stops at my lungs and stops at my mouth and hers [the baby] as well."
But some question whether the proposed ban is too strict.
I think it's a little too much, it's a little overkill," Mountain View resident Michelle Deleonibus said. "If people want to enjoy a cigarette, then let them enjoy a cigarette"
Penalties for violations would also go up, as violators could face a $250 fine for the first offense and $300 for the second.
