MISSION VIEJO : Smoking Limits at Eateries to Be Studied
A proposal to severely restrict smoking in restaurants and ban the practice in all workplaces will be researched by the city staff at the request of Mayor Robert D. Breton.
However, restrictions on smoking in Mission Viejo received less than enthusiastic support from other council members at a City Council meeting Monday night.
Breton’s proposal to mandate that 80% of dining areas in Mission Viejo be reserved for nonsmokers could harm restaurants during an economic slump in which many eateries are struggling to stay open, Breton’s colleagues said.
“I’m just not ready to do this,” said Councilwoman Susan Withrow. “Timing is everything and the timing is just not right.”
Council members William S. Craycraft and Sharon Cody challenged statistics presented by Breton and representatives from the Orange County health department and the American Cancer Society.
“I’m not convinced at all that (secondhand smoke in restaurants) is harmful,” Cody said.
Although Councilman Joseph D. Lowe didn’t speak against the proposed ordinance, he indicated he wanted to see input from the local Chamber of Commerce on the issue.
Breton said he would not call for a ban on smoking in restaurants until all South County cities pass a similar law.
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