Montgomery County Passes Smoking Ban in Outdoor Seating Areas

In a unanimous vote, the Montgomery County Council passed a bill Tuesday that will ban smoking in outdoor areas where food is served. The ban applies to patios, decks and porches.

Council Vice President Sidney Katz, who is the lead sponsor for the bill, says this is a public health issue, “Prohibiting smoking in outdoor seating areas provides for a healthier environment for both patrons and employees.”

In a press release, the council says this will provide outdoor diners the same protections from the health impacts of smoking. The ban also applies to e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Smoking inside restaurants and bars has been banned since 2003.

Restaurants can still designate rooftops or balconies for smoking. Golf courses with outdoor seating will not be impacted.

The ban is already in place in Rockville and Gaithersburg. It will go into effect across the county this summer and enforcement will be complaint-based. Currently, the fine is set at $50.

(The video above is courtesy of County Cable Montgomery.)

Previous Posts

Legislation Introduced to Ban Smoking in Designated Areas at Restaurants Throughout the County

Katz Introduces Outdoor Smoking Ban

Council to Consider Outdoor Smoking Ban

About Ashley Profitt

Broadcast Journalism Student at University of Maryland College Park and Intern at Montgomery Community Media.

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