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LOS ANGELES - Outdoor smoking at Beverly Hills restaurants has been officially banned under a city law aimed at promoting a healthier environment in the home of the stars.
Smokers who light up on outdoor restaurant and bar patios face fines ranging from US$100 ($132.32) for a first offence to US$500 for persistent offenders. It applies to virtually all outdoor restaurants and hotels, including celebrity haunts like the Caffe Roma and Spago patios frequented by cigar-loving California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The law was passed by the city council in June but implementation was delayed until after the busy summer tourist season.
- Reuters
