Smoke-Free Contra Costa
As of March 1, 2015, all Contra Costa County-owned and leased properties will be 100% Smoke-free. This does not necessarily pertain to Smoke-free multi-unit housing. To find out more about if your city has a Smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinance visit the Secondhand Smoke page.
What the Law Means
Smoking, including the use of cigarettes, cigars, water pipes, pipes, hookah, marijuana (including medical marijuana) and electronic smoking devices like e-cigarettes and vapor pens, is not permitted in all indoor and outdoor areas, including parking lots, courtyards, and break areas of every building and property owned or solely leased by the County and in County vehicles. For a complete list of properties included contact the Tobacco Prevention Project at TobaccoPreventionTeam@cchealth.org.
Why Is Contra Costa County Going Smoke-free?
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted this law June 3, 2014, to improve the health and safety of people visiting and working at county facilities. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and the U.S. Surgeon General has stated that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Given this data and our role as service providers for thousands of people in the county, the Board of Supervisors adopted this law to create a smoke-free environment for employees and visitors. Visit the National Center for Health Statistics to learn more about health data related to tobacco use.
How the Law Will Be Enforced
This law is designed to be enforced through signage and education; however, Sheriff's deputies may issue citations.
What resources are available to help me stop smoking, using other tobacco products and/or electronic smoking devices?
This policy is an important health and safety initiative. If you would like support quitting tobacco and/or electronic smoking devices, call 888-877-4202 or see the list of local resources to help you quit. In addition, the State of California has a free "Quit Smoking" hotline that offers ongoing one-on-one counseling and cessation materials in several languages.
- English speakers: 1-800-300-8086
- Spanish speakers: 1-800-600-8191
- Mandarin and Cantonese: 1-800-838-8917
- Vietnamese: 1-800-778-8440
- Korean: 1-800-556-5564
- TDD/TYY: 1-800-933-4TDD (1-800-933-4833)
- Text "Quit Smoking" or "Quit Vaping" to 66819. For Spanish, text "Dejar de fumar" or "No Vapear" to 66819.
You may contact the Tobacco Prevention Project to report complaints, possible violations and/or questions of County, City or State of California laws regarding tobacco products or secondhand smoke by calling.