BEVERLY HILLS : City Council Considering Sweeping Ban on Smoking

Beverly Hills is considering a ban on smoking in all restaurants, bars and workplaces and in some outdoor areas, a measure supporters say would rank as one of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the state.

The ban, which will be the subject of a public hearing Sept. 13, would be broader than smoking restrictions adopted by such cities as Los Angeles and Santa Monica, and more comprehensive than the statewide anti-smoking measure Gov. Pete Wilson signed into law last month. That law, scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, prohibits smoking in restaurants and most indoor workplaces, but exempts bars and hotels.

If the ban is enacted, Beverly Hills would snuff out smoking in all restaurants, bars, outdoor dining areas, hotel lobbies, workplaces with any employee other than a sole proprietor, and all city-owned outdoor areas, such as parks. Other cities, including Los Angeles and Santa Monica, have passed measures that prohibit smoking in restaurants and some workplaces, but still allow people to light up in bars and outdoor dining areas.

Beverly Hills City Council members said the proposed anti-smoking ordinance, now being drafted, may be modified after next month’s hearing, which is expected to draw hoteliers, restaurateurs and others likely to criticize the measure.