TUSTIN : Anti-Smoking Law Being Enforced

Tougher restrictions on public smoking are now being enforced in the city, less than five months before even stricter, statewide controls are to go into effect.

Tustin’s law bans smoking in any building owned, leased or operated by the city. Smoking in other indoor public places is also prohibited, except in areas specifically set aside for smokers. Local restaurants, therefore, can continue to offer smoking sections--at least through the end of the year.

Leading the fight for the new municipal law was Councilwoman Tracy Worley, a former professional tennis player who describes herself as a “big no-smoking advocate.”

“I’m glad we have something on the books,” she said. Worley said she favored even stricter regulations but doubted they would win council approval.

Joining Worley in voting for the smoking restrictions were Mayor Thomas R. Saltarelli and Councilmen Jim Potts and Jeffery M. Thomas. Councilman Michael J. Doyle opposed the measure.

In July, Gov. Pete Wilson signed one of the toughest statewide anti-smoking laws in the nation. The legislation, which will go into effect Jan. 1, bans smoking in most enclosed workplaces, including restaurants.

If the statewide regulations go into effect, Tustin will still have the option of imposing even stricter controls on smoking.

The state regulations and Tustin’s new law will be superseded, however, if California voters approve Proposition 188 on the November ballot. Sponsored by Philip Morris U.S.A., the nation’s largest tobacco company, the ballot initiative would permit smoking in restaurants and most other buildings.

Wilson has announced his opposition to Proposition 188, as has his campaign rival, State Treasurer Kathleen Brown.