Law Would Continue Smoking Ban in Bars

Even if the state’s newest no-smoking law is repealed, cigarette lovers still will be banned from lighting up in local saloons, city officials said this week.

Months before the statewide no-smoking law took effect Jan. 1, the council passed an ordinance banning smoking in bars. The city law would take effect if the state ban were delayed.

In recent weeks, a new bill has been proposed that would repeal the state’s anti-smoking law. But that bill would not preempt local legislation, officials said.

The council approved sending a letter to the state Legislature urging lawmakers to uphold the smoking ban.

If the state law should change, Mayor R. Craig Scott said local establishments would be notified that smoking in bars remains illegal in Laguna Hills.