New Smoking Bans Enacted Across States

Carlsbad, California, has passed a pioneering smoke-free ordinance for multi-unit rental housing set to take effect on January 1, 2025, banning all forms of smoking and vaping both indoors and in common areas to mitigate secondhand smoke exposure and fire hazards. This makes Carlsbad the first city in San Diego County to enact such a law, joining over 80 cities and counties statewide. The ordinance, approved by a 4-1 vote, mandates landlords to enforce the new rules through lease agreements rather than relying on city enforcement. Critics, including some residents and a councilwoman, argue that the law overreaches into personal freedoms. Meanwhile, similar legislative efforts are seen in Florida, where Sen. Joe Gruters plans to ban smoking and vaping in public spaces, and in Cumberland, Maryland, where a ban on Baltimore Street aims to make the area more welcoming and attract more visitors. These measures reflect a growing trend towards stricter smoking regulations across the United States.