San Gabriel : Smoking Bill Defeated

Despite Councilman Dominic S. Polimeni’s compromise weakening an anti-smoking ordinance, the City Council on Tuesday defeated his proposal to set aside no-smoking areas in large restaurants.

Citing health hazards of tobacco smoke to smokers and nonsmokers, Polimeni initially had sought a ban on smoking in many public places. But, working with the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce, the councilman modified his proposal.

Still, three of the five council members said it encroached on the rights of small-business owners. Councilwoman Mary Cammarano said the ordinance would be “too much government.”