Proposed smoking ban faces opposition from bar owners, LGBTQ+ community

The Palm Springs Sustainability Commission is facing pushback on a proposed expansion of the city’s smoking ordinance that would ban smoking in outdoor areas of bars and restaurants.

Several residents and business owners submitted public comments opposing the changes prior to the commission’s meeting last month, citing potential negative effects on tourism, the local economy and the LGBTQ+ community.

The commission discussed the proposed ordinance changes and public feedback during the meeting. Sustainability Director LP McCloy summarized the main proposed changes as expanding no-smoking provisions to certain areas of multifamily housing and outdoor areas of commercial businesses, including bar patios.

The majority of comments focused on concerns about banning smoking on bar patios. Critics argue it could lead to a decline in patronage and adversely affect local businesses, particularly those catering to LGBTQ+ customers.

“Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social hubs,” wrote one commenter. “Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy.”

Several others urged the commission to exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking restrictions. They called for more community engagement, especially with LGBTQ+ business owners and community members.

“Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the proposed ordinance,” one letter stated.

Commissioners acknowledged the need for broader community outreach before moving forward with changes. They discussed forming a subcommittee to refine the ordinance language and address concerns.

“I think it would be worth cleaning up the language and checking the pulse before we do that,” said one commissioner about forming a subcommittee.

The commission also plans to research impacts of similar smoking bans in other cities like West Hollywood. Members also discussed the potential need for an economic impact analysis.

“We can definitely make people aware of it, provide them opportunities to give us feedback on if we want to do a webinar or like you said, a special meeting where folks can call in and give us feedback,” McCloy said.

The proposed ordinance changes come as Palm Springs launches its Blue Zones initiative, an effort to improve residents’ health and longevity. Reducing smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke is one focus of the initiative.

Commissioners debated whether to bring the ordinance back for discussion in January or wait for more community feedback. They ultimately decided to delay further action to allow time for additional outreach.

The commission plans to reach out to business associations, hotels, and economic development officials to gather more diverse perspectives on the potential impacts of expanding smoking restrictions.

No timeline was set for when the commission will revisit the proposed ordinance changes. City staff will work on gathering additional community input and refining the ordinance language before bringing it back for further discussion.

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