LOS ALAMITOS : Council Approves City Smoking Limits

The City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance that prohibits smoking in buildings and vehicles owned by the city or leased to the city.

Monday’s unanimous vote came despite the recent adoption of a state law that bans smoking in virtually all places of employment.

Council members said the ordinance is necessary because the state anti-smoking law will not take effect until Jan. 1, 1995.

The council will consider the ordinance for final approval on Aug. 8.

City Manager Robert C. Dunek said the ordinance will be unnecessary once the state law takes effect.

But he said the ordinance could serve as a kind of a “backstop” because, if the state law is modified by a court or changed by the Legislature in the future, the city would still have its own anti-smoking ordinance.

Also, an initiative sponsored by the tobacco industry is on the November ballot that would eliminate the power of local governments to regulate the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Under the city ordinance, smoking will be prohibited in enclosed areas, such as offices, rooms, chambers, dining areas, hallways, meeting places and vehicles that are owned by the city or leased to the city.

Currently, smoking is allowed in certain areas, including private offices.

The ordinance would also authorize Dunek or a designated city official to post signs allowing smoking at rooms A and B of the Community Center during bingo games.