The City of Orange is considering a new ordinance to ban smoking in public parks, following similar measures in cities like Garden Grove.
The proposal, which surfaced earlier this year, aims to address public health concerns and provide law enforcement with additional tools to manage park activities.
During a council meeting in February, Mayor Dan Slater expressed that the ban could help curb homelessness by giving police a new way to handle vagrants and transients. “I have an ulterior motive for this, quite frankly,” Slater said. The council voted 4-1-2 on July 28 to advance the ordinance, with two members absent. If enacted, the ordinance would prohibit the use of any lighted or heated tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis products, as well as electronic smoking devices, in city parks.
While the city already bans smoking within 25 feet of playgrounds and recreational facilities, this new measure would extend the prohibition to all public parks. The staff report suggests that the ban could reduce litter and improve park experiences for visitors.
Councilmember Arianna Barrios raised concerns about the ban unfairly targeting individuals who are not breaking any other laws by smoking. “We are adding something to this that is not illegal in any other circumstance,” Barrios said. Councilmember Kathy Tavoularis also questioned the practicality of enforcing the ban given the current police force’s limitations.
Police Chief Adam Jevec noted that while officers would not actively seek out smokers, the ban would provide an additional tool for managing park safety. “Any enactment of any sort of violation of this, or enhancement of any park rules or regulations, makes it difficult to enforce,” Jevec said.
The ordinance will undergo a second vote next month. If approved, it will join similar bans in other Orange County cities like Dana Point, Buena Park, and Laguna Beach.
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