More Stringent Outdoor Restaurant Smoking Ordinance Coming to Elk Grove


October 26, 2017 |

The Elk Grove City Council decided at their Wednesday, October 25 meeting to pursue an enhanced ordinance that will restrict outdoor smoking at eating establishments in the city. 

With the consensus of the four present members, the city council asked city Attorney Jonathan Hobbs to craft an ordinance that for their review. Mayor Steve Ly was absent from the proceedings. 

Elk Grove already has ordinances limiting smoking in public areas such as schools, parks, and bus stops. As noted by Hobbs during his presentation, if Elk Grove restricts outdoor restaurant smoking it would be following the lead of area municipalities like Folsom and Rancho Cordova that have enacted more restrictions.

Hobbs said he received one comment from a resident who expressed concern that the more stringent ordinance would further restrict civil liberties. Although most restaurants in the city ban outdoor smoking at their establisments, that decision is at their discretion.

During deliberations Council Member Stephanie Nguyen, who is the mother of two young children, said that she enjoys outdoor dining when possible but has encountered situations where they experienced second-hand smoke.  

"I have had folks who will feel it is appropriate to bust out a cigarette and smoke one with my small children sitting there," she said. "So we would have to get up and leave." 

Nguyen said that in those situations restaurant management asked the smokers to stop and they oblige without any problem.      

"I've never had anybody have an issue," Nguyen said.

Vice Mayor Steve Detrick and Council Member Pat Hume agreed with Nguyen in pursuing a more restrictive ordinance. The new ordinance will be brought back for consideration to the city council at a future meeting. 






October 26, 2017 |    

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