Monday, February 02 2009
By Louis Sahagun (
The Los Angeles Times)
At a time when cities nationwide are banning smoking in public places from bars to beaches, the Long Beach City Council today will consider a proposed amendment to its no-smoking ordinance that would exempt cigar lounges and hookah bars.
The city banned smoking in enclosed public places in 1994, but the law was rarely enforced until about a year ago, when anti-smoking advocates began demanding that city health officials take action. In an effort to keep their businesses open -- and avoid fines of up to $500 for each offense -- the owners of the city's 13 cigar lounges banded together to seek an exemption.
Health advocates were upset when City Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga of the 7th District asked the city attorney to draft language to exempt the lounges.
Long Beach may allow indoor smoking in cigar lounges continues...
