Santa Monica Considers Restaurant Smoking Ban

Smoke won’t get in diners’ eyes at Santa Monica restaurants if a newly proposed law to ban smoking in eateries is enacted by the City Council.

But a lot depends on what happens in Los Angeles and other neighboring cities. Mayor Judy Abdo and Councilman Kelly Olsen proposed the ban and the council has asked for a draft ordinance. Abdo said that Santa Monica is working with Los Angeles and other cities to pass laws that would go into effect at the same time.

A measure by Los Angeles City Councilman Marvin Braude banning smoking in all Los Angeles restaurants is pending a vote in the City Council. Abdo said Santa Monica would not take action unless the ban is approved in Los Angeles because doing so would hurt restaurant revenues.