SEAL BEACH : City Approves New Smoking Ordinance

The city has a new smoking ordinance, which restricts the placement of cigarette machines and prohibits smoking in city-owned buildings.

However, the law, approved last week by the City Council, stops short of banning smoking in restaurants and bars. The county already requires that restaurants provide a nonsmoking section.

The new rules were suggested by a special committee formed by the City Council several months ago to look at the smoking issue. The ordinance incorporates the committee’s recommendations with existing city smoking rules.

Local merchants opposed a total ban on smoking in public places out of fear that such a restrictive law would drive away customers. A city survey found that 75% of local restaurant tables are already reserved for nonsmokers, City Manager Jerry L. Bankston said.

The new ordinance:

* Restricts the placement of cigarette machines to areas off-limits to minors, such as in bars.

* Bans smoking in all public buildings, including City Hall, and during public meetings.

* Prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.

* Bans the distribution of free cigarettes during tobacco promotion events.

Several nearby cities have restricted or banned cigarette vending machines. The machines are prohibited in Laguna Hills, and Long Beach allows them only in areas restricted to people over 21.