Contra Costa's Secondhand Smoke Protections Ordinance

On November 17, 2006, a new ordinance that helps to protect everyone living in the unincorporated communities of Contra Costa County from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke took effect.

The new law, which took effect last November 17, prohibits smoking in the unincorporated county area in all workplaces and indoor areas open to the public and within 20 feet of doors, windows, vents and air ducts of enclosed places open to the public, including outdoor dining areas and services areas such as ATM lines and bus stops.

In 2006, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) designated secondhand smoke as a toxic air contaminant that may cause or contribute to an increase in deaths or in serious illness or pose a hazard to human health, particularly in children.

Smoke-free policies reduce smoking. In addition to protecting public health by restricting exposure to harmful chemicals, other positive results of smoke-free policies include: changing community norms regarding tobacco use; encouraging smokers to become non-smokers; reducing the number of cigarettes smoked by employees who continue to smoke; and helping former smokers remain smoke-free.

Sign Variations

"No Smoking" signs, with letters of not less than one inch in height, or the use of the international "No Smoking" symbol (consisting of a burning cigarette in a red circle with a red bar across it) must be visibly posted in every building or other place where smoking is regulated by the owner, operator, manager or other person having control of the building or other place.

Below are links to Contra Costa County Secondhand Smoke Protection Ordinance Signs for business owners, landlords and the general public to download:

1. "No smoking" sign (11" X 8.5") (34k PDF, 1p.)
2. "No smoking" sign (7" X 5") (25k PDF, 1p.)
3. "No fumar" sign (11" X 8.5") (46k PDF, 1p.)
4. "No smoking within 20 feet" sign (11" X 8.5") (34k PDF, 1p.)
5. "No smoking within 20 feet" sign (5" X 7") (26k PDF, 1p.)
6. "No Smoking within 20 feet" - Spanish sign (11" X 8.5") (27k PDF, 1p.)
7. "No Smoking within 20 feet" - Spanish sign (5" X 7") (38k PDF, 1p.)
8. "No Smoking" sign (expanded language) (11" X 8.5") (27k PDF, 1p.)
9. "No smoking" sign (expanded language) (7" X 5") (26k PDF, 1p.)

While supplies last, signage is available through the Tobacco Prevention Project.

For information about the ordinance, educational materials or to make a complaint contact, call the Tobacco Prevention Project at 888-877-4202.

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