Starting today, patios at restaurants and bars in Montgomery County will be going smoke-free. Council members approved the smoking ban for outside serving areas back in March. Adam Zimmerman advocated for the ban. Council Vice President Sidney Katz says the goal is to protect residents from the health impacts of smoking. As an exception, businesses may designate rooftop and balcony areas for outdoor smoking at their discretion. Restaurants and bars found in violation will be given two warnings followed by a 50 dollar fine. Montgomery County is said to be the first county in Maryland to enact such a law.
