State Status
No Preemption
News Summary
New Law Bans Smoking In Outdoor Dining Areas
Publication Date: 2009-09-11
- Author:Sarah Delage
- Publication:WCSH-6 (Portland, ME)
Beginning September 12th, smokers will not be able to light up when they are eating or drinking outside at restaurants.
The new state law bans smoking in outdoor dining areas. That includes restaurants, bars and snack bars. The law is modeled after Portland's smoke-free outdoor dining ordinance...
"You do hear from the non-smokers and it's hard to argue their point, especially if you care about their patronage," Geaghan said. "They should be able to sit in a smoke-free environment and enjoy their food products."
Smoking was banned in indoor dining areas ten years ago.