Long Beach : Council Panel OKs Easing Public Smoking Ordinance
In a move to salvage a new public smoking ordinance, a Long Beach City Council committee this week approved a number of changes to the law, which was suspended after it was challenged by a citizens petition.
The latest version drops a controversial 1994 ban on all smoking in restaurants and instead requires eating establishments to set aside two-thirds of their seating for nonsmokers. The new draft also allows smoking in the work place, as long as it is restricted to enclosed smoking areas with a separate ventilation system or the smoking area of a company cafeteria. The suspended ordinance would have entirely banned smoking from all work sites.
Other revisions would permit cigarette vending machines in bars and restaurants where alcohol is served, as long as an adult employee has a clear view of the machine. Where machines cannot be supervised, a remote control device operated by an employee would allow adults, 18 years and older, to buy cigarettes.
The latest proposal, which would replace the suspended ordinance, must be approved by the full City Council.
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