Commissioner: Outdoor Cafes in 'Complete Violation' of Smoking Laws

The Forest Park Village Board Monday approved an ordinance amendment to align the hours for outdoor dining with those of the liquor code to allow restaurants to operate 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Saturday. 

According to the_Forest Park Review, Commissioner Mark Hosty was the only board member to vote against the amendment, after he motioned to table it to suggest the village add language reminding business owners of the state's smoking laws.

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Hosty said he thinks outdoor cafes in Forest Park are in "complete violation" of smoking laws, and argued language of the law should be reflected in the village ordinance so restaurants are "clearly aware," he said. 

"I see people (putting bars outside) and people... standing in the street with a beer and a cigarette... I believe if we put this in the ordinance, it'll be more clear."

Mayor Anthony Calderone said he wasn't sure why the village would legislate something that's already legislated by the state. 

Hosty, who has worked in the restaurant businesses, told the Forest Park Review he doesn't want young people to grow up working in second-hand smoke.

Read the Review story here.

Do you think restaurants in Forest Park are too lax about enforcing smoking laws? Tell us in the comments.