November, 2010:
Smoking on restaurant patios now illegal in SF
Last updated: November 4, 2010
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle
Smokers in San Francisco can no longer light up in a restaurant’s outdoor seating area.
The law—approved by the city’s Board of Supervisors in March—went into effect this week.
Restaurants must not post signs advising customers they can only smoke at the curb or in a spot that is at least 15 feet from exits, entrances, windows and vents.
Failure to comply could cost restaurants a $500 fine.
Golden Gate Restaurant Association director Kevin Westlye tells the San Francisco Chronicle the group supported the legislation once a requirement that restaurant owners police people smoking in front of their establishments was removed.
Westlye says restaurant owners want to protect their employees and customers from second hand smoke.