Smoking allowed above ground level

A city council in California, US, has agreed to ban tobacco smoking on bar and restaurant patios adjacent to city streets, according to a story by Promise Yee for the Coast News.

But it could have been worse for the smokers of Oceanside. A motion calling for a ban on smoking at all bar or restaurant patios and within 25 feet of such patios was narrowly defeated.

As it stands (the ordinance will be the subject of a final vote on July 27), smoking will be banned on bar and restaurant patios adjacent to city streets, and within 10 feet of patios where smoking is banned.

But it will be permitted on patios located on private property and not adjacent to city streets, an exemption that includes non ground-level balcony patios and golf course restaurant patios.

Smoking will be permitted, too, at cigar social events.