Mt. Prospect may shield smokers

The Mount Prospect village board is expected to vote as early as next month on whether to allow smoking shelters for restaurant patrons.

Some restaurants owners have 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 is looking to revise the village code that regulates the installation and use of smoking shelters.

The proposed measure would require the structures be transparent. While there would be some type of seating, patrons couldn't bring alcoholic drinks into the shelter.

"It's something restaurant owners want to provide for their customers," Trustee Michael Zadel said. Smokers "aren't second-class citizens. The activity is perfectly legal. There's no reason for us to step in the way."

But some trustees have had reservations about the structures.

Trustee Tim Corcoran said he's concerned about where on restaurant properties the structures would be allowed and making sure the structures would blend in well with their surroundings.

"Location (of the structure) is important to me," Corcoran said.

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 regulating smoking shelters. The permit for the shelter is only for October through March.

The Mount Prospect board is expected to discuss the issue at its next board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the village hall, 50 S. Emerson St.

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