Santa Clarita to Weigh New Anti-Smoking Law : Health: The proposed ban’s prohibitions would cover businesses such as banks, restaurants, malls and theaters.

SANTA CLARITA — The City Council tonight will consider a new ordinance that would ban smoking in restaurants, enclosed public areas and some commercial establishments.

“It’s a health issue,” said City Councilman George Pederson. “I can’t find any argument that will outweigh the value and sanctity of human life.”

The council will consider the ordinance at its 7:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall. If approved, it will take effect next month.

Under the ordinance, bars that generate less than 25% of their income from food sales would be exempt from the ban. Smoking would be banned at all commercial establishments that cater to the public, including banks, restaurants, malls, Laundromats and theaters.

Some business owners are concerned that Santa Clarita restaurants will lose business to restaurants in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County.

“We just feel that, generally, government is getting in our personal lives too much,” said Viki Rudolph, executive director of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Rudolph said restaurant owners should be educated about the dangers of secondhand smoke and allowed to develop their own solutions.

Councilwoman Jo Anne Darcy said she favors the ordinance, but would like to lessen its impact on restaurants by allowing them a longer grace period.

“I have great difficulty with forcing restaurants and cocktail (establishments) not to smoke,” Darcy said. “I think we’re going to chase the business right out of the city.”

Mayor Jan Heidt believes that the move is unnecessary.

“I’m voting against it,” Heidt said. “I think if you ask people, they will do it voluntarily. They don’t need an ordinance to hammer them over the head.”

The number of places to smoke in Santa Clarita has already dwindled in recent months.

Rudolph said several new city restaurants have opened with no-smoking policies. Since September, the William S. Hart Union High School District prohibited smoking at Santa Clarita public high schools and junior high schools during football matches, baseball games and other outdoor activities.