Montgomery County smoking ban bill for certain outdoor seating areas at restaurants to be introduced

The Montgomery County Council is scheduled to introduce a bill that would prohibit smoking in certain outdoor seating areas at restaurants.

The proposal would cover patios, decks or porches where food and drinks are served and would include e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for October 23 at 1:30 p.m.

According to an online post by the Council, Councilmember Sidney Katz is the lead sponsor of the bill which is designed to protect the health of residents.