Smoking outside restaurants under scrutiny

[The Straight Story]

Smoking outside restaurants under scrutiny

Last Update: Mar 20, 2007 10:16 PM

BAKERSFIELD - People who smoke in outdoor sections of restaurants in Kern County may soon be asked to butt out.

It’s the law in many cities in California, and now, the Board of Supervisors is looking into the possibility of regulating smokers who eat in outdoor sections of restaurants.

Ray Alameda enjoys smoking in the outdoor patio of Chuy’s Restaurant in northwest Bakersfield.

It’s one of the few places where he can smoke without getting hassled for lighting up his cigar.

"Everybody knows when they come to an establishment like this they have an outside smoking area so it makes the customers that do smoke feel comfortable to come out here and relax," said Alameda.

"The question that's being raised by the public is whether or not those that eat at restaurants outdoors should enjoy the same smoke free environment that they enjoy indoors," said Supervisor Mike Maggard.

http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=5e177e08-7d54-4ca1-9675-3b06a04fe920

What a bunch of damned whiny bastards. You wanted a smoke free food joint, you got it - no smoking indoors. You have CHOICE already (and technically before too since a food place could choose to be or not be smoking....).

I cannot believe there are not more pressing things for them make laws and regs about. Sheesh.