Smoking Ban

Trans fats, fast food and now Glendale is working on a smoking ban for public areas. After revising the draft on Tuesday, the ordinance says smoking on all city property, including the green patch at Americana at Brand, would be banned. Sidewalks and streets are exempt, but outdoor dining areas are not---unless smokers are at least 10 feet from non-smokers or there's a physical barrier---and that's only because business owners said they'll lose customers, which they can't afford in this economy. The new ordinance will be ready for a public hearing in mid-September. Until then, smoke 'em while you can. [Glendale News Press]