For these five, cigarette sponsors go up in smoke
- Share via
Jackson Bell
Management at Barragan’s Mexican Restaurant is so anti-smoking, even
matches aren’t provided at the eatery -- much to the chagrin of some
customers.
“We’re very serious about keeping this a nonsmoking environment
and a family-oriented restaurant that is safe and healthy,” said
Carmen Hernandez-Barragan, a manager at the restaurant.
Smokers might be unhappy, but officials from Glendale Adventist
Medical Center and the Los Angeles County Department of Health
Services were so impressed, they decided to recognize the restaurant.
Barragan’s, 814 S. Central Ave., was among five local eateries
honored at a luncheon Thursday for signing policies to resist tobacco
sponsorships to promote their products. Others included Mi Lupitas in
Los Angeles, along with The Capri Italian Restaurant, Casa Bianca and
All Star Lanes Bowling Alley, all of Eagle Rock.
The luncheon was at Barragan’s.
Bruce Nelson, the hospital’s director of community services, said
tobacco companies often pay bars and restaurants to allow them to
promote their cigarettes to distribute coupons and promotional items
or offer other special events.
“We’d like to see more community businesses play a part and
protect the health of their patrons and employees,” Nelson said.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, tobacco companies in 2001 spent $11.2 billion on
advertising and promotional expenses -- more than $30 million a day
and more than $39 for every U.S. resident.
“These restaurants are, in essence, taking a stand against
marketing tobacco to children and teens,” said Monty Messex, policy
chief for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services’
Tobacco Control and Prevention Program.
The county is running a campaign targeting the ills of smoking and
secondhand smoke among the city’s Armenian-American population. The
local aspect is part of a $1.1-million campaign across the county
aimed at educating minorities about tobacco’s health hazards.