The Region - News from March 4, 1987

The Beverly Hills City Council unanimously approved on second reading a measure banning smoking in restaurants, most retail stores and public meetings. The ordinance, which drew strong opposition from the city’s Chamber of Commerce and posh restaurants, was first passed by a 5-0 preliminary vote on Feb. 17. The new law will take effect in 30 days. A first-time offender will be fined $100, a second-time offender $200 and a third-time offender $500, said Fred Cunningham, city director of community relations. Recalcitrant restaurateurs who ignore smoking within their premises and do not notify authorities face fines similar to the offending smokers, he said. Hotels are exempt from the law. Rudy Cole, director of the Beverly Hills Restaurant Assn., said the group will now consider a lawsuit, or begin an initiative campaign for a citywide vote on the law.