LONG BEACH : City to Put Anti-Smoking Measure on April Ballot

The City Council decided Tuesday to place its embattled anti-smoking ordinance, which was suspended by a referendum petition drive, before voters in the April 12 municipal election.

The council also decided to draft an interim ordinance that would restrict smoking to one-fifth of the total space in restaurants and bars. If the council gives final approval, the restrictions would take effect in November and would remain in effect if voters reject the more stringent measure.

The City Council passed the contested ordinance in late July. But the Long Beach Business & Convention Coalition, a smokers’ rights group funded by the tobacco industry, staged a petition drive that has kept the measure from taking effect.