LAGUNA BEACH : New Smoking Rules Urged for Eateries
This city, which considers itself a leader in regulations against cigarette smokers, took two more steps this week to clear smoke from city restaurants.
The City Council voted unanimously to ask city staff to write a city ordinance requiring restaurants to provide at least 60% of their space for nonsmokers. The ordinance also would give restaurant owners the option of banning smoking altogether.
Mario Mendoza, the manager of Ron’s in Laguna, spoke against the proposed ordinance.
“We’re a fine dining restaurant,” Mendoza said. “We depend on customers who smoke and drink alcohol. Couldn’t you leave it up to the patron as to whether or not he chooses to go there?”
Since 1985 when the city approved its first regulations on smoking in public places, City Councilman Neil G. Fitzpatrick said Laguna Beach has fallen behind other cities that have adopted stricter regulations. While current city law requires Laguna Beach restaurant owners to provide only 25% of their space for nonsmokers, cities such as Irvine require that 50% of restaurant space be set aside for nonsmokers and Beverly Hills requires 60%, he said.
“This city was the first in the county to have a ban on smoking in particular locations, including restaurants,” Fitzpatrick said. “The screw is being turned tighter all the time on smoking and I think it’s time to add additional restrictions.”
The proposed ordinance will have two additional public hearings before it is adopted into law, City Clerk Verna L. Rollinger said.
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