Smoking on patios now under fire

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The city of Austin could consider expanding its smoking ban. Some want a ban to prohibit smoking on outdoor patios at restaurants and bars.

Austin Travis County Department of Health and Human Services Department says they first learned of the push from the city commission, Early Childhood Council.

General manager Garrett Edwards at Doc's on South Congress Ave. says he thinks banning smoking outside on patios is crossing the line.

"We only allow it on the designated area which is the outward most part of the patio," Edwards said.

But those restrictions in place at Doc's might not be smoke-free enough anymore.

People eating at Cain and Abel's in west campus Thursday had mixed views.

"That second hand smoke is pretty bad," said Aber Kanafani.

"I dont personally smoke myself, but I think its fine on a patio," said Gulmina Shah, "I dont think theres anything wring with it."

Health and Human services says Early Childhood Council is asking the city to consider this outdoor ban--freeing the air of second hand smoke.

"It's estimated over 7,000 chemicals, including 250 that are known to cause harm, and 69 known carcinogens," Dr. Phil Huang with Health and Human Services said of second hand smoke.

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Smoking on patios now under fire