Downey : No-Smoking Ordinance Given Final City Council Approval on 4-1 Vote

The Downey City Council has given final passage to a smoking policy that takes effect in 30 days to restrict and prohibit smoking in public and private businesses and enclosed areas within the city.

The council voted 4 to 1 for the measure at its May 23 meeting. Councilwoman Barbara Hayden cast the dissenting vote.

“It’s too lengthy, too restrictive and unenforceable,” Hayden said. “I can’t support this intrusion into private life . . . and I am not a smoker.”

Councilman Randall Barb said he believes the law is loose and flexible, and that he wished more ordinances were as readable.

Councilwoman Diane Boggs said she had hundreds of letters and signatures from people who supported the law.

The law requires no-smoking sections in restaurants with seating capacities of 50 or more patrons, but does not force the restaurants to erect barriers for nonsmokers.