LA city approves proposal to ban smoking in outdoor dinning areas

[The Straight Story]

LA city approves proposal to ban smoking in outdoor dinning areas


LOS ANGELES, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Los Angeles City Council said on Thursday that it has approved a proposal to ban smoking in outdoor dining areas in the city.

The proposal would prohibit smoking in outdoor dining areas, and within a 10-foot radius of those areas, as well as the area within a 30-foot radius of outdoor food courts, food kiosks, food carts and mobile food trucks, the council said.

However, an exception is provided for outdoor areas attached to bars and nightclubs that require customers to be 18 years old or older.

"I think it's important that we have a practical way to balance out the needs of those people who enjoy smoking and those people who enjoy eating without the smell of smoke," Councilman Tom LaBonge said.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/19/content_11564441.htm

"I think it's important that we have a practical way to balance out the needs of those people who enjoy smoking and those people who enjoy eating without the smell of smoke,"

It's called letting people decide where to go and eat....

[Recursion]

1. I live in Boston. I have to drive to New Hampshire to smoke

At some point this just gets silly.

[liberalmuse]

2. I suppose stuff like this is why I love 'Mad Men' so much.

Ah, those where the days when doctors smoked while giving physicals, kids didn't wear seatbelts and ran around with garment bags over their heads. I'd rather inhale second hand smoke than car exhaust, which is what you're mainly getting when you're eating outside.

[konnichi wa]

3. I love to dine at sidewalk cafes where people do not smoke but the cars and buses belch out

as much crap as a million smoking persons. Nothing like a garnish of black diesel crud on your frappe.

:eyes:

[dd20045]

4. all for it

no problems here.

[konnichi wa]

5. Okayyyyyyyy

glad you're all for it.

[taught_me_patience]

6. Hell yeah finally!!!

Now I can eat on the balcony of Cheesecake in Marina Del Rey without having somebody blowing toxic fumes in my face. I'm 100% in support of this.

[devilgrrl]

7. Cheesecake Factory? Banning smoking isn't going to stop diabetes and congestive heart failure...

as result of eating at the Cheesecake Factory! :crazy:

[taught_me_patience]

8. They have a sweet deck overlooking the Marina, though

with perfect Los Angeles weather. Perfect ambiance.

[Raine]

11. At least it's totally the consumer's choice

if they decide to take the risk and and eat a piece of cheesecake.

edit: typo

[ContinentalOp]

9. Good, Santa Monica has had this law for a while now.

Although theirs is even stricter.

[Raine]

10. Wonderful

maybe soon can sit at the outside eating area of the Fairfax Farmer's Market without having to suck down the smoke that hangs in the air. :-)

[thelordofhell]

12. Can't we stop this harassment

And let the smokers die in peace?