A proposal from San Diego City Council would ban outdoor smoking and vaping within 25 feet of diners, creating broader rules for restaurant patios in a city where businesses have been able to set their own policies.
While many cities across San Diego County already have widespread bans on outdoor smoking, San Diego does not. The proposal would establish a citywide standard for smoking and vaping near diners.
Crazy Wings N Fries owner Julio Ortiz said it would be nice to have a smoke free patio.
“There was a time when I had a family sitting, eating and then this guy started smoking, and the family was really bothered. So I told the guy would you please step out outside of the patio.”
Diners who smoke or vape also said they would be comfortable with the proposed restriction.
“When people are eating, it’s probably not such a great thing because it would affect the way they taste their food,” diner Raleigh Levandowski said. “And I’m a vaper.”
Diner Christine Levandowski said she does not think people should have to be around cigarette smoke while eating in a public setting.
“I’ve never been a smoker, so to me, it’s kind of offensive to be around smoking and I don’t think it should be put on me in a group public environment where you’re trying to enjoy a meal.”
Councilmember Jennifer Campbell’s office says 78 percent of surveyed city of San Diego residents support the ban, along with 88 percent of restaurant professionals.
The proposal would exempt adult-only bars and nightclubs, as well as private areas closed to the public.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.