Portland councilors hear public views on a proposal to prohibit lighting up in seating areas where food is served.
Jump to full article: Portland (ME) Press-Herald, 2008-05-09
Author: DAVID HENCH, Staff Writer
Intro: A proposal to ban smoking in outdoor seating areas at Portland restaurants triggered a debate Thursday on the competing rights of individuals.
On one side were representatives of health organizations who argued that diners and workers should not be subjected to secondhand smoke in public restaurants.
On the other were people, including some business owners, who said the ordinance would go too far in limiting the choices made by businesses and individuals.
The City Council's Health and Recreation Committee is considering a proposal to expand the city's 10-year-old smoking ban for restaurants and bars. The restrictions have since become state law.
The latest proposal would prohibit smoking in outdoor seating areas where food is served, though to what extent has not been decided. One proposed amendment would apply the restriction only when the outdoor areas are being used for dining.
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