Banning Outdoor Smoking in LA Takes Another Step

A motion to limit some outdoor smoking that was submitted last fall has took a big step yesterday when a city council committee approved it, passing it on to the full City Council for consideration. If passed a new law this summer would prohibit smoking on restaurant patios or within 10 feet of any outdoor establishment that serves food or beverages with the exception of bars with outdoor areas and other over-18 venues, according to the LA Times. Some restaurant and cigar groups were concerned at first but are now more at ease with the move to exclude bars and over-18 venues. Still, the ban on smoking is always a contentious one that gets people all riled up.