LOS ANGELES : Bradley Signs Ban on Restaurant Smoking

Mayor Tom Bradley signed the city’s smoking ban in restaurants into law Thursday, meaning that all indoor eateries will be required to post no smoking signs in 30 days.

The ban, spearheaded by Councilman Marvin Braude, a fierce critic of smoking, will not apply to outdoor eating areas, private clubs or bars. The state Legislature is considering smoking measures of its own, which may preempt local ordinances.

Although there will be no special enforcement of the Los Angeles law, owners who resist face six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. Smokers who light up will be fined $50.

“My heart is really warm,” said Braude, who beamed at Bradley’s side during a news conference. “After 15 years of working for this I’m really overwhelmed by what we have accomplished. . . . This is a health issue of serious consequences.”