California Restaurant Association reaffirms opposition to Proposition 188.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 1994--With only days to go before the Nov. 8 general election, representatives of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) reaffirmed the association's decision to oppose Proposition 188.

The oldest restaurant association in the nation, CRA provides a wide range of programs to ensure the success of the restaurant industry statewide.

Although a few restaurant operators have spoken in favor of Proposition 188, the initiative has a serious flaw. By banning smoking in virtually all workplaces except restaurants, ``The measure sidesteps the reality that restaurants and bars are the everyday workplaces for some 780,000 Californians,'' noted CRA Executive Vice President Stanley R. Kyker, CAE.

``As the trade-off for permitting some limited smoking, Proposition 188 would hand over the liability for the dangers of secondhand smoke to the restaurant operator. It's not a good deal for the restaurant business.''

To safeguard the long-term interests of the food-service industry in California, CRA was a co-sponsor of A.B. 13, which Gov. Pete Wilson signed into law on July 21. Besides CRA, A.B. 13 has the backing of the California Hotel & Motel Association, labor groups and major health associations.

``The restaurant industry never wanted to be caught in the middle of the public debate over secondhand smoke, because we are indeed the hospitality industry,'' Kyker said. ``But if government keeps telling us that secondhand smoke is a health risk, for both our patrons and our employees, then we must treat it that way across the board. Proposition 188 fails to do this.''

CONTACT: California Restaurant Association, Los Angeles 

Scott Read, 213/384-1200