Irvine : Irvine Moves Toward Restrictions on Smokers

Irvine took another step toward restrictions on smoking when the City Council ordered that an ordinance be drafted similar to one adopted earlier this year by Laguna Beach.

The 4-1 vote Tuesday came after a brief public hearing and a presentation by City Atty. Roger Grable, explaining details of smoking laws adopted by other California cities. Newly elected Mayor Dave Baker abstained from the vote, because the law firm he works for represents tobacco interests.

Grable said he will be working from a copy of the Laguna Beach ordinance and, since he works for the same law firm as Laguna Beach’s city attorney, he can confer with his counterpart while preparing the ordinance. He plans to present the draft to the council by late August.

Although the council could send the first draft back for additional work after its presentation, it could also vote to give the measure tentative approval. If so, the ordinance would still have to undergo a second vote, which could come as early as October, before becoming law.

The ordinance, if it follows the Laguna Beach model, would regulate smoking in hospitals, elevators, public meeting rooms, theaters and auditoriums. It would also require businesses to establish written smoking policies, and would require restaurants to set aside space for non-smokers, Grable said.

Two weeks ago, Newport Beach became the second city in Orange County to adopt a tough smoking law.