SANTA ANA : Ordinance Further Restricts Smoking

The City Council has approved a restrictive anti-smoking ordinance that prohibits smoking at most places of employment and permits cigarette vending machines only in bars.

Restaurants with a capacity of 50 or more people must set aside 75% of their floor space for no-smoking sections, according to the ordinance. Smoking would be permitted in bars.

The council unanimously approved the measure on Monday, and it will go into effect in 30 days.

“I’m so happy. The council has, I think, served the city well,” said anti-smoking activist Jim Walker, adding that the decision is especially important for the city’s children, because the average smoker begins smoking at 14.

About 30 adults and schoolchildren attended the meeting to support the ordinance. While no smokers or business owners spoke against the ordinance at the meeting, a few critics suggested that the council reject the ban because it did not go far enough.

Until now, city statutes banned smoking only in public buildings. The new ordinance bans smoking in all public areas of private buildings, such as elevators, meeting rooms, lobbies, waiting rooms and theaters.

Furthermore, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas within all places of employment, including common work areas, classrooms, auditoriums, private offices, cafeterias and restrooms.

In addition to bars, smoking is still permissible in hotel and motel guest rooms, at businesses devoted to tobacco sales, at private parties and in private residences.

Several restaurant and hotel managers reached Tuesday said the ordinance would have little or no effect on their businesses.