On June 1, Starbucks coffee shops across the country instituted a no-smoking ban that extends outside the stores, "including the outdoor dining area or within 25 feet of it."
The ban affects approximately 7,000 stores across the U.S. — both those that have outdoor seating and those that do not, The Huffington Post reported.
Patch spoke with several customers seated outside the Starbucks on Kanan Road Thursday morning and asked what they thought of the new rule.
"I prefer it, because I'm not a smoker," said Laura Daley of Westlake Village. "But I can understand that if you are a smoker, you would feel like you should have the freedom to smoke wherever you want."
Victoria, visiting from Calabasas, said she also prefers the policy.
"I'm happy for our kids to have more of a smoke-free environment," she said. "It sets an example, and I'm all for it."
Craig Dunn, who's in town visiting his mother in Agoura, said that he personally likes the idea but said he's perplexed how all Starbucks can legally enforce the policy.
"In some places, like where I used to live in San Diego, the 25 feet encroaches upon public space. So, philosophically, I agree with it, but I'm not sure how Starbucks could have the authority to prohibit smoking on a public sidewalk, for example," he said.
What do you think of the new policy. Tell us in the comments.
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