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New Ban On Smoking Near Eateries Set To Take Effect

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Take a deep breath, L.A.: you will soon be able to eat your meal without swallowing nearby cigarette smoke.

Starting next week, city officials will start to enforce smoke-free outdoor dining with a campaign called "Fresh Air Dining LA".

KNX 1070's John Brooks reports the campaign is the latest step at banning tobacco smoke in public spaces.

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City Councilman Tom LaBonge joined local officials at L.A. Live on Thursday to promote the campaign that goes into effect next Tuesday.

The new rules bar smoking within ten feet of any outdoor dining areas — not only restaurants but also food carts, courts and trucks.

Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Jonathan Fielding says the new policy may even spur smokers to kick the habit altogether.

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"Fresh Air Dining LA" signs are already beginning to pop up around the city.

While technically violators could be hit with $500 fines, officials say the measure is more about changing behavior, similar to smoking bans in the workplace, parks and beaches.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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