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Smoking allowed at owner- operated bars

At least two bars in Sunnyvale will be permitted to allow smoking after city councilmembers passed an ordinance to allow smoking at owner-operated bars at their April 28 meeting, bringing the city's municipal code in step with the state's new law.

City Attorney Valerie Armento told councilmembers Sunnyvale's previous smoking laws were more stringent than the state's, which went into effect Jan.1, banning cigarette smoking in taverns throughout the state.

The state law was introduced as a worker's rights issue, intended to keep employees from inhaling unwanted secondhand smoke.

But an exemption in the state law allows owners who don't pay wages to any employees on the payroll-including themselves-to permit smoking.

Two bars in Sunnyvale that the council was made aware of can claim the exemption once a city-approved certificate is issued that proves the owner-operated status.

Beefy's Cabin on the corner of Mary and Washington, owned by Tina and Peter Brammall, is one of the bars that will fall under the exemption.

"We are very pleased the city has seen fit not to go beyond what the state has done so far," Peter Brammall said. Once the Brammalls apply for and receive the city-issued certificate, they will have to place the document behind the bar in public view.

A member of the public who spoke to council on the topic suggested a sign be placed in front of the establishment warning potential customers that smoking was permitted.

Mayor Jim Roberts said such a sign would be justified, but the owner could also use the sign "as a marketing ploy to attract customers."

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West beats East in battle of wits

Silicon Valley computer experts beat out their peers from the East Coast for the fifth straight year at last weekend's annual Computer Bowl in Sunnyvale.

Mayor Jim Roberts was on the winning side of a wager made with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino after Silicon Valley wrapped up the trivia contest by a score of 230-70.

Sunnyvale councilmembers will receive lobster dinners served with New England clam chowder, under the terms of the wager.

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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, May 6, 1998.
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