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Time to Butt Out: Smoking Ban on Restaurant Patios & At Food Trucks Goes Into Effect on March 8
Photo by stephenfalk via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Smokers, and smoking supporters, put a big red circle on your calendar on March 8th, because that's the first day of enforcement for a ban on smoking on outdoor eating areas in the City of Los Angeles.
The motion, first introduced in 2008 by Councilman Greig Smith, and seconded by Tom LaBonge, will see to it there will be no second hand smoke with your meal on outdoor patios of establishments where food is served. Specifically, the Outdoor Dining No-Smoking Ordinance "prohibits smoking within ten feet of all non-enclosed restaurant areas (excluding bars/nightclubs that require patrons to be 18 and older or private events) and 40 feet from mobile food kiosks and trucks that do not have dedicated dining areas (C.F. 08-1544)."
For those for whom coffee and a cigarette go hand-in hand, you might be crestfallen to learn that Starbucks is a big fan of the ban. They will join Smith, LaBonge, and reps from Coalition for a Tobacco Free L.A. County, and the California Restaurant Association tomorrow morning in Porter Ranch for a press conference to discuss the education and outreach that's going to have to happen along with the March 8 ban. Restaurants will have to enforce the ban, and violators will be subject to citation and fines. A number of anti-smoking and health organizations have pledged funds to help the City with their education and outreach program to companion the ban.
Previously: Outdoor Smoking Ordinance Would Ban it on Restaurant Patios & Around Food Trucks
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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