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San Francisco Outdoor Restaurant Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Smokers in San Francisco can no longer light up in a restaurant's outdoor seating area.

The law—approved by the city's Board of Supervisors in March— went into effect this week.

Restaurants must not post signs advising customers they can only smoke at the curb or in a spot that is at least 15 feet from exits, entrances, windows and vents.

Failure to comply could cost restaurants a $500 fine.

Golden Gate Restaurant Association director Kevin Westlye told the San Francisco Chronicle the group supported the legislation once a requirement that restaurant owners police people smoking in front of their establishments was removed.

Westlye said restaurant owners want to protect their employees and customers from second hand smoke.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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