Hermosa Beach moves forward with polystyrene, smoking bans
The Hermosa Beach City Council moved forward with two bans negatively affecting restaurant operations, including bans on polystyrene food packaging and smoking in public places.
In a 3-2 decision Oct. 25, the council narrowly approved a ban on polystyrene take-out containers despite opposition from the California Restaurant Association, local restaurateurs and other industry trade groups. The ban prohibits restaurants from distributing take-out food and beverages in Styrofoam. The prohibition will go into effect in six months. Fines for non-compliance range from $200 to $1,000.
With a unanimous vote, the council moved forward with a new smoking ordinance with an expected implementation date of March 1, 2012. Under the new ordinance, smoking will be prohibited in all outdoor areas and within five feet of any outdoor dining area. Additionally, restaurants will be banned from distributing match books as city officials contend the practice promotes cigarette smoking. Violations for not complying with the new law can be as expensive as $500.