Los Angeles Smoking Ban In Public Places
[ Posted in: Quit Smoking, Smoking Ban, Secondhand Smoke on January 9th, 2009 ]
The Los Angeles arts and parks committee took a first step Wednesday toward a new smoking ban on restaurant patios or within 10 feet of any outdoor establishment that serves food or beverages.
Bars with outdoor areas and other over-18 venues would be exempt.
If approved, the measure could be in place this summer.
"The patrons are really demanding it," said Councilman Tom LaBonge, chairman of the Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee. "One day we’ll be an absolutely smoke-free world as we move forward, but people still enjoy it, so we’re still allowing it."
Though Calabasas and some other cities have far more stringent anti-smoking laws, the refuges for smokers in Los Angeles have dwindled in recent years. In addition to the state ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and other workplaces, smoking is prohibited on city beaches, in farmers markets and within 25 feet of playgrounds, bleachers, sport courts, fields and picnic areas.
In passing the ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas, Los Angeles would be following the lead of other cities, including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.
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