Smoking Ban Sinks Burbank Pool Hall

The Burbank City Council rejected a permit for a proposed pool hall because the operator said he would not prevent smoking in the establishment.

In a 3-2 vote that was decided by Councilman Michael Hastings, the council on Tuesday denied a conditional use permit that would have allowed Yars Marderos to operate a 14-table billiards center at 127 N. San Fernando Blvd.

Hastings said he would approve the permit if Marderos agreed to ban smoking at the billiards center, which the applicant said would provide family entertainment in Burbank. Marderos refused Hastings’ request, saying 90% of pool players smoke.

The city’s planning board recommended approval of Marderos’ operation in July, but Councilwoman Mary Lou Howard said she remained unconvinced that such a business was appropriate for downtown Burbank.