Beverly Hills bans outdoor smoking at restaurants

However, the measure will not take effect until Oct. 1, reportedly because of concerns that Asian and European tourists would avoid area restaurants this summer if smoking wasn't permitted at all. The city council also promised to track the ban's impact on restaurant traffic, saying that the ordinance could be modified or repealed if it hampers the local economy.

Smoking inside restaurants and bars is prohibited by California law, but several cities have also banned it in outdoor public places to protect the public from secondhand smoke.