Fairfax restricts smoking in apartment complexes

The Fairfax Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Wednesday that requires apartment complexes with four or more units to designate at least 75 percent of them as non-smoking.

The restriction, which still requires a second reading next month before it becomes law, would also apply to the units' private balconies, porches, decks and patios.

The cities of Novato and Larkspur have approved similar apartment smoking bans.

The Marin Independent Journal reports that the Fairfax ordinance also bans smoking in town parks and the entrances to restaurants, bars and other buildings where smoking is already prohibited.

Fairfax Mayor Larry Bragman says second-hand and third-hand smoke can have major health effects and need to be cleaned up.

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Information from: Marin Independent Journal, http://www.marinij.com