Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Santa Clarita to Ban Smoking in Workplaces
Smoking will be banned in most workplaces and cigarette vending machines prohibited under a new city code to take effect Aug. 1.
Santa Clarita City Council members adopted the tobacco control ordinance Tuesday night with a 5-0 vote, ending six months of debate about the dangers of second-hand smoke and the importance of individual rights.
Advocates on both sides of the issue bombarded the council with claims and statistics ever since the issue was first raised in late 1993.
The ordinance adopted Tuesday includes a concession to restaurant owners who claimed their customers might eat outside the city rather than be forced to dine without smoking.
Smoking will be permitted in restaurants and bars under the new code, as long as the eating establishment’s policy is posted for customers.
Small businesses operated away from the public and not sharing ventilation systems with other businesses may also allow smoking.
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