Santa Monica restaurants could be penalized for patio smokersSanta Monica restaurants could be penalized for patio smokers

SANTA MONICA Calif. City attorneys in Santa Monica, Calif., are reportedly considering a change in anti-smoking law enforcement that would penalize bar and restaurant owners when patrons light up on outdoor patios.

State law bans smoking inside public places. Municipal law in Santa Monica also bans smoking in outdoor areas of restaurants and bars, but authorities currently cite only the smokers. City attorneys, however, have proposed imposing penalties on bar and restaurant owners who knowingly or intentionally allow smoking outdoors.

The penalties are scheduled to be considered by the City Council in October.