Costa Mesa council backs law limiting smoking lounges’ activities
The Costa Mesa City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would place a series of regulations on smoking lounges and related retail businesses.
The policies, modeled after others in Anaheim, Westminster and Santa Ana, seek to address concerns about public safety and excessive noise, among other complaints.
The regulations include limiting operating hours to 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and prohibiting live entertainment, alcohol and the conducting of business outside of an establishment.
The proposed ordinance, which will go before the council on Sept. 15 for a second vote, also expands the anti-smoking ban in public facilities and parks to the use of electronic cigarettes.
Also under the ordinance, new lounges would be required to be 1,500 feet from each other and within a shopping center, commercial center or industrial park.
City officials noted that the proposed law does not force any existing smoking lounge, hookah parlor, smoke shop or vaping retail business to close or relocate.
“The draft ordinance is intended to allow existing businesses to continue their current business operations, while creating standards to ensure new smoking lounges operate in a manner that is compatible with the surrounding area,” according to a city staff report.
Costa Mesa resident Ann Parker said she didn’t think the ordinance goes far enough. Smoking lounges should be banned, as they are in Irvine and Newport Beach, she contended.
“We have an out-of-control situation in the city,” Parker said. “This is going to become a hangout for people. I think it’s a huge mistake.”
Councilwoman Katrina Foley said she was concerned about teens picking up the habit of smoking and the lounges’ distance from schools. Councilwoman Sandy Genis added that she doesn’t want to see smoke wafting out of the establishments.
“Keep the smoke in,” Genis said. “Keep the kids out.”
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Housing development delayed
At the request of Newport Beach developer Steve Sheldon, the council agreed to postpone a hearing on his proposed housing project.
The 28-home development at 440 Fair Drive, a 1.66-acre site near Harbor Boulevard, would replace a 1960s-era commercial building whose tenants include several massage parlors and Hotties Pizza.
Sheldon is asking for a zoning change for the property, from commercial to high-density housing.
Sheldon is an Orange County Water District board member who represents Irvine and Newport Beach.
The council is scheduled to hear the matter during its Sept. 15 meeting.
