Mount Prospect approves smoking enclosures for restaurants

The Mount Prospect Village Board on Tuesday unanimously approved allowing outdoor smoking shelters for restaurant patrons.

Some restaurant owners had asked the board to consider such a measure, so smokers dining out won't have to stand outside in inclement weather during a cigarette break, village officials said.

The board had been discussing the issue for weeks, revamping an original proposal to include various requirements.

The board restricted the location of shelters to Mount Prospect licensed businesses located only in industrial and commercial districts. That means that a home business couldn't construct a shelter, said Bill Cooney, director of community development.

The ordinance also outlined penalties -- $250 to $1,000 per day per offense.

It also states that shelters must be transparent.

While there will be no free-standing chairs, some type of seating built into the structures would be allowed.

Also, it'll be forbidden to bring alcoholic drinks into the shelter.

Restaurants in Illinois went smoke-free this year. Smokers must be at least 15 feet away from building entrances.

Last year, Schaumburg approved an ordinance, allowing smoking shelters for its businesses.

For more information, call the village hall at (847) 392-6000.