Santa Monica : Smoking Ban Considered

Smoke won’t get in diners’ eyes at Santa Monica restaurants if a newly proposed law to ban smoking in eateries is enacted by the City Council.

But a lot depends on what happens in Los Angeles and other neighboring cities.

Mayor Judy Abdo and Councilman Kelly Olsen proposed the restaurant smoking ban at Tuesday’s meeting, and the council voted to draft an ordinance.

Abdo said Santa Monica is working with Los Angeles and other cities to pass laws that would go into effect at the same time.

By coordinating the effort, a major objection to restaurant smoking bans would be removed; restaurant owners typically argue that a smoking ban is bad for business because customers will dine in neighboring cities where they can smoke.

A measure by Los Angeles City Councilman Marvin Braude banning smoking in all Los Angeles restaurants is pending a vote in the City Council.

Abdo said Santa Monica would not take action unless the smoking ban is approved in Los Angeles because doing so would hurt restaurant revenues.