Curbs on Alcohol, Tobacco Billboards Sought

With Supervisor Gloria Molina pressing the case, the Board of Supervisors took the first step Tuesday to restrict alcohol and tobacco billboards near schools, parks, playgrounds and residential areas in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County.

Community representatives from the Eastside and South-Central Los Angeles endorsed the move, saying alcohol and tobacco companies are targeting low-income, inner-city neighborhoods for such ads.

After hearing testimony from community groups and several billboard companies, the supervisors unanimously agreed to seek a new zoning ordinance to ban outdoor tobacco, alcohol and adult entertainment ads within an unspecified distance of places frequented by young people.

Molina said there is an urgent need to protect young people from advertising that encourages them to engage in smoking or drinking, which can become life-threatening behavior.

In a pointed exchange with County Counsel DeWitt Clinton, Molina made it clear she wants him to draft an ordinance that can survive a legal challenge from cigarette and alcoholic beverage producers. “I want it done properly,” she said. “I want it done as quickly as possible.”

Supervisor Don Knabe said the city of Long Beach already has a very successful ordinance on the books.

Molina said some billboard companies have cooperated in taking down billboards within 500 feet of schools, parks and playgrounds, but others, particularly owners of illegal billboards, have not.