Smokers’ Alert : Thousand Oaks May Be Next City to Ban Lighting Up in Restaurants

With his mystery paperback, his Scotch on the rocks and his half-empty pack of cigarettes arrayed on the bar in front of him, 73-year-old Rod Stewart was ready for some serious relaxation.

About the only thing that could disturb him was the thought that next week, the Thousand Oaks City Council might declare his favorite afternoon haunt smoke-free.

Following the lead of neighboring Moorpark, Thousand Oaks leaders on Tuesday will consider banning smoking in all public buildings and restaurants, except those providing a sealed room and separate ventilation system for smokers.

Some business backers worry that a strict ban in Thousand Oaks would drive smokers--and their dollars--away.

And that’s exactly what Stewart, a retired Air Force colonel kicking back Friday at Jack’s Restaurant & Deli, predicted as well. “I’d probably go to Camarillo,” he said glumly. “I like my Scotch, I like my cigarettes and I like to chase girls. Those are the only three things left to me.”

On the other side, health advocates contend that the benefits of cleaner air far outweigh the loss of a few sales-tax dollars. Backing them up, some restaurant owners who have voluntarily banned smoking say their business hasn’t suffered at all.

Even Steve Rubenstein, executive director of the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, said he would not oppose the no-smoking law, because he expects surrounding communities to enact similar bans soon.

The Westlake Village City Council will discuss a tough anti-smoking policy during its next meeting, and Agoura Hills has also moved toward a comprehensive ban. With Moorpark officials proudly passing out their landmark law as a model, many politicians expect other Ventura County cities to jump on the bandwagon soon.

“It’s yesterday’s news,” Rubenstein said. “It’s not socially acceptable to smoke anymore.”

Veteran smokers, however, don’t buy that argument.

Stubbing out a cigarette in an ashtray filled with a half-dozen butts, Rhonda Reseburg defended her right to light up on her lunch hour--especially since her office has been declared smoke-free.

“This is the only time I can get to relax,” she said, as two smoking friends nodded emphatic agreement over lunch at Jack’s Restaurant.

A half a block down the street, smoker Peggy Armstrong sipped a glass of white wine in Fins Seafood Grill--a restaurant and bar that went smoke-free six months ago. Although she considers herself a heavy smoker, Armstrong said she relished the chance to dine in an odor-free atmosphere.

And non-smoker Dan Urbaniak, leaning on the bar during his lunch hour, backed her up enthusiastically. “It’s a great policy--it’s all our air,” he said.

Several council members said they have heard mainly positive comments so far from residents supporting the ban. But they emphasized that they will listen carefully to testimony from the business community Tuesday night.

“It’s a tough one,” Councilman Frank Schillo said. “I’m far from making up my mind on it.”