As if costly commercial rents, high taxes, and inspection fees weren’t enough, Oakland bars say they’re facing a new challenge: anti-smoking laws.
Since January, an Oakland ordinance has banned smoking in all outdoor bar areas and within 25 feet of bar entrances. Some bar owners have recently received warnings from the Alameda County Public Health Department.
“After this warning, if smoking violation continues, the City of Oakland Code Enforcement Division is contacted for assistance with enforcing the ordinance,” a notice reviewed by The Standard said. An attached leaflet outlines the penalties: $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, $500 for a third, and up to $1,000 per day for prolonged noncompliance…