Home / Health / SF May Ban Outdoor Bar Smoking
SF May Ban Outdoor Bar Smoking
13 May
Summary
- A supervisor proposed expanding the city's indoor smoking ban.
- Health professionals support the proposal citing health risks.
- Bar owners fear a ban could drive away customers.
A proposal to ban smoking outside bars is moving forward in San Francisco. Supervisor Myrna Melgar is championing the ordinance, which would extend the city's existing indoor smoking prohibition.
Supporters, like Dr. John Maa of the San Francisco Marin Medical Society, emphasize that tobacco is a leading cause of preventable deaths. His organization backs the ban due to smoking's links to serious illnesses.
Conversely, many bar and tavern workers express concern that such a ban could negatively impact business. Over a dozen establishments have signed a petition against the ordinance.
Karim Salgado, owner of Legacy bar, stated that if the city enacts the ban, it should also be responsible for enforcement. Customer reactions to the potential ban are divided, with some understanding the health arguments and others finding it overly restrictive.
San Francisco has already prohibited smoking outside restaurants, and this proposal aims to align bar policies with other major Bay Area cities. The ordinance requires approval from both a committee and the full Board of Supervisors to be enacted.
