The efforts by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to
shutter the ill effects of secondhand smoke will get more
aggressive pending a vote at 9 a.m. Tuesday on two of three
proposed anti-tobacco ordinances.
Morgan Hill – The efforts by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to shutter the ill effects of secondhand smoke will get more aggressive pending a vote at 9 a.m. Tuesday on two of three proposed anti-tobacco ordinances.
The first ordinance would outlaw tobacco use in county parks, fairgrounds, rooms rented to guests at hotels and outdoor areas of hotels, outdoor shopping malls; the second, bans smoking in multi-unit residences except in designated smoking areas.
A third ordinance would force businesses that sell tobacco products to hold a county permit and be governed by the county. It will be voted on Nov. 23 after Supervisor Don Gage asked that the businesses in unincorporated areas of the county be given more notice to prepare for the extra $425 permit or decide whether they will continue to sell tobacco products.
If the ordinances proposed by Supervisor Ken Yeager pass it will make the unincorporated area of Santa Clara County known for having the most stringent anti-tobacco laws in the Bay Area. The measures will also make Santa Clara County one of the most aggressive jurisdictions in the nation in preventing youth tobacco use and protecting residents from secondhand smoke, according to a county news release.
The county would govern and oversee the enforcement of these ordinances. Anti-tobacco education and information will be funded by a $7 million grant the Public Health Department received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Businesses in San Martin and Morgan Hill account for 11 of the 33 retailers that would be subject to obeying the new ordinances. In Morgan Hill the following businesses sell tobacco and may have to make changes to comply with the new ordinances: Coyote Valley Sporting Clays, Gugleilmo Winery, Parkway Lakes RV and Thousand Trails RV Park; in San Martin: Avila’s Market, CordeValle Golf Club, Mama’s Market, Marathon Trading Company, Rocca’s Market, San Martin Drive-In Market, San Martin Gas & Mart. A single Gilroy retailer, Old Gilroy Service Station on Pacheco Pass Highway, is also on the county’s list.
