BAR PATRONS FEEL PUT OUT BY NEW LAW.

Byline: David Greenberg Daily News Staff Writer

Patrons of east Ventura County watering holes were in an ugly mood Thursday, unified in their belief that the new smoking ban in bars is a law they don't want to live with.

The law, which went into effect in bars at the first stroke of the new year, did not stop patrons from lighting up in at least two Simi Valley bars - MVP Sports Bar & Grill and PC's Bar & Grille.

``The bottom line is, I'm an American,'' said Simi Valley resident Gary Bennett, 39, a Navy veteran. ``It's a constitutional right. I didn't wake up in Russia this morning.''

The ban is the latest effort by lawmakers to create a smoke-free environment in workplaces.

Smoking has been prohibited in most businesses, including restaurants, since 1994.

The ban in bars is geared toward protecting employees and customers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

But Bennett and others have little sympathy.

``If (employees) can't deal with the smoke, find another job,'' he said. ``We gave you the (ban in) airplanes. We gave you the hotels, the malls. What more do you want?''

Billy Walker, 32, of Simi Valley said he abhors the fact that he will have to step outside to smoke.

``Why do we have to suffer?'' he said. ``Why should we be herded outside like cattle?''

Bar owners who allow smoking can be fined $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation within a year and up to $500 for any subsequent violations within a year. After a third violation, employees can file a complaint with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration that could lead to fines of $7,000 per violation.

Many who favor the ban appeared to be staying away from bars on New Year's Day. Most of the customers were there to watch college football bowl games.

Several nonsmokers who did show up agreed that smoking should be permitted in bars - at least in segregated sections.

``(A person) seeking employment should accept the risks of the environment,'' said 46-year-old Simi Valley resident Ross Steinbach, who does not smoke.

Although PC's Bar & Grille set up a smoking area outside, co-owner Lois Hussar said she is not going to refuse offering an ashtray to anyone who wants to smoke inside.

``We aren't the policemen,'' she said. ``I'm really upset about the ban.''

Hussar added that she would not feel safe demanding that a large man, particularly one who is drinking, extinguish his cigarette.

``If someone's not in a good mood, what do you want me to do?'' she said.

Bar owners and employees said they fear the ban will keep customers away.

``My customers have told me they are not going to come in anymore,'' Hussar said.

Said Bennett: ``I'll grab a six-pack, go home and smoke.''

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

PHOTO (1 -- color) Gary Bennett of Simi Valley enjoys a cigarette despite the new anti-smoking law at bars.

(2 -- Conejo edition only) Nonsmoker Ross Steinbach, at the MVP Sports Bar & Grill, says he sympathizes with smokers no longer allowed to light up.

David Sprague/Daily News