A Guide to Smoking in L.A.
Despite being one of the states with the strictest laws in the US, California still has lots of smokers. Smoking statistics from the California Department of Public Health found that 12% of adults used tobacco in 2021, close to the national average of 12.5% of US adults. In Los Angeles alone, tobacco users account for 11.7% of the population— putting many at risk of future health problems. It’s no wonder the county has taken harsher action against smokers by implementing several anti-smoking laws.
As each US state has different rules around smoking, it’s essential for all traveling smokers first to get familiar with local regulations. In this article, we’ll provide a quick guide to smoking in L.A.
*This article is by Lacie Carter, and while the creator of EatDrinkLA does not smoke herself, she understands the importance of knowing the rules – especially for visitors to Los Angeles.
What is Defined as Smoking
While many people associate smoking with cigarettes, the law has become more comprehensive and includes electronic smoking devices like e-cigarettes and vapes. Use of these products is prohibited in smoke-free places in L.A. City, which includes:
- Enclosed workplaces
- City parks and beaches
- Outdoor dining areas
- Government-owned buildings
Ban on sale of flavored tobacco
One of the biggest changes in California law was making the sale of flavored tobacco illegal in December 2022. As reported by LAist.com on the tobacco ban, stores and vending machines are outlawed from selling flavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes, including those flavored with menthol. Merchants can still sell hookah tobacco, some types of cigars, and loose-leaf tobacco, but this has severely reduced smokers’ options to get their kicks. However, it’s essential to know that the law doesn’t punish or criminalize anyone for using or possessing with the intent to use flavored tobacco products or enhancers. If you’re coming in from another state, you’re free to carry your favorite flavored tobacco for use in L.A.
Tips on complying with L.A. laws
With these tricky regulations, it’s important that you remain mindful and careful of where you smoke. To help you out, here are some tips on complying with L.A. laws:
Use Smokeless Alternatives
It can be difficult to resist tobacco cravings on the go, so smokeless alternatives like nicotine pouches can be good in a pinch. This is because these alternatives can be used in places where smoking and vaping are prohibited. The On! nicotine pouches available on Prilla.com are ideal for public places as all the ingredients stay within the package, allowing you to dispose of them without any mess or fuss. Depending on your preferences, the brand offers a range of flavors, from fruity pouches to licorice. Another option to keep cravings at bay is nicotine gum produced by Fertin Pharma, which comes as a compressed and extruded gum— suited for long-lasting release or quick relief, respectively.
Use Maps for Public Places
As per L.A. law, many public and private places and buildings ban smoking, even in close proximity. Given this concern, it’s important to research places you’re visiting to know where you can potentially smoke. You can rely on applications like Google Maps to locate nearby tobacco shops, one of the few public places you may be able to smoke indoors. On the other hand, frequented places such as the Los Angeles International Airport typically have designated smoking areas. You just need to ask the staff or find the appropriate signs to head to the smoking patios.
It can be challenging to be a smoker in strict California, but through this guide, you can better equip yourself and comply with laws without sacrificing your fix. Make sure to visit the page on how to “Live Your Best L.A.” for a great list of everything else the city has to offer.
