Maine - new law bans smoking in outside dining areas..

September 13, 2009 - As of yesterday Saturday, 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. The Seadog restaurant and the Whig and Courier in Bangor already ban smoking in their outdoor dining areas. The Seadog plans to post more signs and better enforce that rule. Whig and Courier owner Chris Geaghan says his restaurant has already gone smoke-free because his customers demanded it.

"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. Smoking Ban in Maine Deborah Anderson, Associated Content, 2/21/2007.

Reference: New Law Bans Smoking In Outdoor Dining Areas, Sarah Delage, Multimedia Journalist, Wcsh6.com, 9/12/2009.

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