The Encinitas City Council voted 3-0 in favor of a proposal Wednesday, Feb. 15, that would expand the city’s already established smoking ban. Mayor Tony Kranz and Councilwoman Kellie Hinze were not in attendance following COVID-19 exposure.

The current ban prohibits smoking at beaches, trails, parks and restaurants. Wednesday’s approved ordinance would expand the ban to include most public places as well as parked cars. It also includes electronic cigarettes and cannabis in addition to tobacco.

Smoking on private property, in designated sections of hotels and in moving vehicles would still be permitted.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department would enforce the ordinance. Fines for violations would start at $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense and $150 for the third offense.

After public comment, council members spoke on why they believe the ordinance would be important to reduce litter around Encinitas and increase the health of the community.

“There’s a nexus here between environmental health, public health and personal health,” Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes said of the proposal. “And when you can improve all three with one action, I think you’ve just got something very special.”

The ordinance will need to be approved by the City Council one more time at a later date before it goes into effect.

The move comes after Kranz tested positive for COVID-19 and could not attend Wednesday’s meeting. Kranz confirmed he received the positive test earlier that morning. Hinze was also not in attendance after reportedly feeling sick.

Councilman Bruce Ehlers said the entire staff and City Council were exposed to the virus. As a precaution, the remaining three members of the council all wore masks during the meeting. The City Council was supposed to meet in a closed session Wednesday afternoon before the public session, but following the positive test it was canceled.

“This’ll be a one- or two-week thing,” Ehlers said. “If anybody has symptoms and tests positive, they’re not going anywhere near the meeting. For me personally, I already moved to Zoom all meetings for the rest of the week for work.”

Kranz and Hinze will have an opportunity to give their opinion on the ordinance when it returns to the City Council for final approval.

Patrick Doyle is a local freelance writer.

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