A new Policy Research Center study found strong support for smoke-free outdoor dining in San Diego and across California. Nearly 3 in 4 residents surveyed said they would avoid eating in areas where smoking is allowed. Among San Diegans, 78% support a citywide ban—including over half of tobacco users. Restaurant workers and owners also favored smoke-free patios, with 63% supporting a citywide policy and 100% saying it wouldn’t harm business long term.

Testing showed nicotine levels on tables were 13x higher at patios where smoking occurred compared to smoke-free patios. Even some patios with smoking bans still showed concerning residue levels, highlighting the need for a consistent, citywide approach.

Read full report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zn2RCMoMiLkwENggExZwoN1VEbt5aMQg/view