Portland bans smoking on bar patios before 10 p.m.

PORTLAND, Maine—It'll soon get harder to light up in public in Maine's largest city.

Portland city councilors on Wednesday approved a measure banning smoking on outside patios and decks at restaurants and bars before 10 p.m.

The council voted 7-2 in favor of the ban, which goes into effect Oct. 3.

The new rule is the biggest change for smokers at Portland bars and restaurants since a state law banning smoking inside bars took effect in 2004.

The measure is the second in the past month that restricts smoking outdoors in Portland. In August, councilors outlawed smoking within 20 feet of public beaches, playgrounds and athletic facilities.

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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com