WSIL -- It could soon be harder for smokers to get service on patios and in beer gardens at restaurants and bars.

Health officials are considering tightening the state's smoking ban to protect food service workers. But some wonder how effective the move will be.

Smoking has been banned in Illinois bars and restaurants since 2008, but people can still light up outside as long as they are at least 15 feet away from the building.

Now, a public health panel may tighten that rule, ending tableside service in outdoor smoking areas.

"We want to make sure that we're following the intent of the original smoke free Illinois act and that is to make sure that employees don't have to work in second hand smoke," says Ilinois Department of Public Health spokesperson Melanie Arnold.

This could pose problems for restaurant patios, beer gardens, decks and rooftops. If those outdoor areas allow smoking, they'd have to be self service.

Local businesses question how effective the change would be.

Sarah Switzer, Manager at Von Jakob, says second hand smoke is a hazard that comes with the industry.

"I believe that they know that when they come into this job or at least they should or we should make that apparent to them before they start," she says.

Switzer says her business would never intentionally make a server work the patio, if they felt strongly about it.

Continue reading here:
Tableside Service in Smoking Areas Could End

(08-21) 17:25 PDT SACRAMENTO -- Your dog can now join you for dinner out under legislation signed Thursday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, overturns a ban on pets at restaurants. While many cafes, brew pubs and steak houses have long allowed dogs on their decks and patios, technically it was illegal.

The legislation gives restaurants the option of permitting pooches in outside dining areas. Discretion to allow dogs, though, remains with the eatery.

Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, pushed the bill to clear up confusion about the legality of pets at restaurants. Many places were flouting the law.

The bill got only one no vote between the Senate and Assembly and may not have been a close call for the governor, who is often sighted with the "First Dog," Sutter Brown.

The rest is here:
New California law allows dogs to dine out

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Diners in downtown Grand Rapids now have a new option when it comes to outdoor eating and drinking.

Three restaurantsGrand Rapids Brewing Co., McFaddens Saloon, and Stellas Loungewill be the first downtown to feature the new outdoor patios, all three are owned by Barfly Ventures.

Each patio has room for about five tables to seat roughly 25 people.

The parklets were made possible through apartnership between Barfly, Grand Rapids Downtown Inc., and the Downtown Development Authority in an effort to bring more people downtown and offer more, unique dining options for patrons visiting the area.

Its really designed to get people out in the streets, and really activate the city and make it feel more alive, said Chris Knape, spokesperson for Barfly Ventures.

By bringing people out, literally onto the street and replacing what had been kind of a boring parking space is now a place thats alive with people having a good time, having some drinks and food.

Each parklet costs about $26,000 to build and install, half of which is paid by Barfly, while the other half is covered by the Downtown Development Authority. Its a concept Knape says could very well branch out beyond restaurants to include other downtown establishments and storefronts.

We see it as a great partnership opportunity for the city because we do think it brings in a lot more life, he said. Hopefully people will dine here, have a drink, and theyll continue down the street and also patronize some of the other businesses in downtown.

Reaction on the streets downtown Wednesday among people out walking was mixed when asked by FOX 17 about the new parklets and how they would affect the area.

Ive seen the way people drive down this street I wouldnt want to get run over in one of those things, said Danica Huizenga while expressing her concerns about the patios being situated right on the road.

Read more:
Parklets debut in downtown GR, some concerned about safety, loss of parking spots

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) August 15, 2014

Texas Custom Patios is honored to receive two highly-coveted awards by the Texas Association of Builders. The Star Awards are given to recognize excellence in the home building industry,

Entries were judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts. Winners will be featured in the September/October issue of Texas Builder magazine. For more information about the Star Awards, please visit http://www.TexasBuilders.org.

Texas Custom Patios won the 2014 Star Award for Remodeler Best Outdoor Living Space Over $100K. The project was built in Houston and featured a well-equipped outdoor kitchen with stucco arches, an outdoor living room with a stone fireplace and entertainment package, an outdoor dining room boasting unique lighting and ceiling fans, a stone fire pit, new exterior accordion doors on the existing home and reclaimed wood ceilings and beams throughout the space.

The company also won the 2014 Star Award for Remodeler Best Sales Brochure. The sales brochure is filled with high quality photography and a clear explanation of the design-build process Texas Custom Patios offers its customers.

Texas Custom Patios is family-owned company that has completed more than 1,000 outdoor living projects since it opened its doors in 2004. The office is located in Stafford, Texas, but Texas Custom Patios serves most of the greater Houston area and specializes in providing turnkey design solutions for outdoor living, including patio covers; outdoor kitchens; screened porches and patios; room additions; pergolas and decks; outdoor fireplaces; and more. For more information visit: http://texascustompatios.com.

See the article here:
Texas Custom Patios Receives Awards From the Texas Association of Builders

EDMONTON - Alison Redford travelled the globe when she was Alberta's premier and so did her travel scout, forwarding photos of hotels and suites, sussing out suitable patios and restaurants and at least once advising on public toilets.

Michelle Tetreault went to such locales as China, India, Switzerland, London and Washington in the 20 months she held the position that International Relations Minister Cal Dallas said didn't exist before Redford came to power.

The Canadian Press obtained nearly 1,600 pages of Tetreault's emails through the Freedom of Information Act. Although many portions were blanked out, the documents provide a glimpse into the mysterious job.

Tetreault travelled to most locations months before the former premier, often flying business class. Government staff are allowed to fly business class on international trips longer than four hours as long as it is pre-approved.

Tetreault travelled to China in June 2012 before Redford's trade mission the following September. She compiled photos, including one of a "traditional Chinese restaurant" and another location where Redford and her staff could have steak and eggs for breakfast because "the owner sells Alberta beef."

Tetreault also set out a list of China travel tips for staff: it's custom not to place a purse or briefcase on the floor, and remember "public toilets are all crouch only."

She went to India at the end of 2013 in advance of Redford's trade mission and networking last January.

In tips Tetreault later sent to staff, some of it referenced from travel books, she included advice on shopping for souvenirs, when women should wear head scarves and historical background on the Taj Mahal.

Weather was also noted. In New Delhi, she reported, "mornings will likely consist of heavy fog until 9:30 a.m. A light jacket may be required."

Tetreault got the job shortly after Redford and the Progressive Conservatives won the 2012 election. A provincial directory lists her salary as $127,827 the following year.

See original here:
Redford's lonely planet: A look at former Alberta premier's travel scout

EDMONTON - Alison Redford travelled the globe when she was Alberta's premier and so did her travel scout, forwarding photos of hotels and suites, sussing out suitable patios and restaurants and at least once advising on public toilets.

Michelle Tetreault went to such locales as China, India, Switzerland, London and Washington in the 20 months she held the position that International Relations Minister Cal Dallas said didn't exist before Redford came to power.

The Canadian Press obtained nearly 1,600 pages of Tetreault's emails through the Freedom of Information Act. Although many portions were blanked out, the documents provide a glimpse into the mysterious job.

Tetreault travelled to most locations months before the former premier, often flying business class. Government staff are allowed to fly business class on international trips longer than four hours as long as it is pre-approved.

Tetreault travelled to China in June 2012 before Redford's trade mission the following September. She compiled photos, including one of a "traditional Chinese restaurant" and another location where Redford and her staff could have steak and eggs for breakfast because "the owner sells Alberta beef."

Tetreault also set out a list of China travel tips for staff: it's custom not to place a purse or briefcase on the floor, and remember "public toilets are all crouch only."

She went to India at the end of 2013 in advance of Redford's trade mission and networking last January.

In tips Tetreault later sent to staff, some of it referenced from travel books, she included advice on shopping for souvenirs, when women should wear head scarves and historical background on the Taj Mahal.

Weather was also noted. In New Delhi, she reported, "mornings will likely consist of heavy fog until 9:30 a.m. A light jacket may be required."

Read more:
Redford's lonely planet: Trip advisor travelled the globe scouting destinations for former premier

The Bottom Line Other Business Features Local Stories from ThisWeek More Articles By Steve Wartenberg The Columbus Dispatch Thursday August 14, 2014 3:12 AM

Smokers soon could be able to play slot machines while puffing away on the outdoor patios of nine of Ohios 11 casinos and racinos.

Three of Ohios four casinos including Hollywood Casino Columbus have asked or soon will ask the Ohio Casino Control Commission for approval to add slots to their outdoor smoking patios.

The fourth, Horseshoe Cleveland, is in an historic downtown building, and they dont have the space for it, said Matt Schuler, executive director of the casino commission, which regulates the states four casinos and must approve the use of slots in these covered areas separated from the main gambling floors.

Four of the states five racinos have added video lottery terminals or slot machines to their outdoor smoking areas since opening. Scioto Downs Racino on the South Side has 15 such machines.

Ohio law prohibits smoking in public places such as casinos; smoking is permitted at casinos in most other states.

Its a question of economics, said Alan Silver, an Ohio University assistant professor of restaurant, hotel and tourism and a former casino executive. The casinos have to cater to the people who smoke and play, and thats a lot of people, and if the racinos already have it, the casinos have to go the same route.

Having slot machines in smoking areas means more revenue, which is the amount of money gamblers leave behind.

Its safe to say the slot machines in the smoking areas are producing more revenue per day on average than the rest of the floor, Schuler said.

Belterra Park in Cincinnati opened on May 1 and is the only racino that doesnt have slots in an outdoor smoking area. Two more racinos are set to open.

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Ohio casinos hope to add slot machines for smokers

EDMONTON - Alison Redford travelled the globe when she was Alberta's premier and so did her travel scout, forwarding photos of hotels and suites, sussing out suitable patios and restaurants and at least once advising on public toilets.

Michelle Tetreault went to such locales as China, India, Switzerland, London and Washington in the 20 months she held the position that International Relations Minister Cal Dallas said didn't exist before Redford came to power.

The Canadian Press obtained nearly 1,600 pages of Tetreault's emails through the Freedom of Information Act. Although many portions were blanked out, the documents provide a glimpse into the mysterious job.

Tetreault travelled to most locations months before the former premier, often flying business class. Government staff are allowed to fly business class on international trips longer than four hours as long as it is pre-approved.

Tetreault travelled to China in June 2012 before Redford's trade mission the following September. She compiled photos, including one of a "traditional Chinese restaurant" and another location where Redford and her staff could have steak and eggs for breakfast because "the owner sells Alberta beef."

Tetreault also set out a list of China travel tips for staff: it's custom not to place a purse or briefcase on the floor, and remember "public toilets are all crouch only."

She went to India at the end of 2013 in advance of Redford's trade mission and networking last January.

In tips Tetreault later sent to staff, some of it referenced from travel books, she included advice on shopping for souvenirs, when women should wear head scarves and historical background on the Taj Mahal.

Weather was also noted. In New Delhi, she reported, "mornings will likely consist of heavy fog until 9:30 a.m. A light jacket may be required."

Tetreault got the job shortly after Redford and the Progressive Conservatives won the 2012 election. A provincial directory lists her salary as $127,827 the following year.

Original post:
Redford's lonely planet: a look at the job of the former premier's travel scout

By Chris Purdy, The Canadian Press

EDMONTON - Alison Redford travelled the globe when she was Alberta's premier and so did her travel scout, forwarding photos of hotels and suites, sussing out suitable patios and restaurants and at least once advising on public toilets.

Michelle Tetreault went to such locales as China, India, Switzerland, London and Washington in the 20 months she held the position that International Relations Minister Cal Dallas said didn't exist before Redford came to power.

The Canadian Press obtained nearly 1,600 pages of Tetreault's emails through the Freedom of Information Act. Although many portions were blanked out, the documents provide a glimpse into the mysterious job.

Tetreault travelled to most locations months before the former premier, often flying business class. Government staff are allowed to fly business class on international trips longer than four hours as long as it is pre-approved.

Tetreault travelled to China in June 2012 before Redford's trade mission the following September. She compiled photos, including one of a "traditional Chinese restaurant" and another location where Redford and her staff could have steak and eggs for breakfast because "the owner sells Alberta beef."

Tetreault also set out a list of China travel tips for staff: it's custom not to place a purse or briefcase on the floor, and remember "public toilets are all crouch only."

She went to India at the end of 2013 in advance of Redford's trade mission and networking last January.

In tips Tetreault later sent to staff, some of it referenced from travel books, she included advice on shopping for souvenirs, when women should wear head scarves and historical background on the Taj Mahal.

Weather was also noted. In New Delhi, she reported, "mornings will likely consist of heavy fog until 9:30 a.m. A light jacket may be required."

More:
On the job with Redford's travel planner

EDMONTON -- Alison Redford travelled the globe when she was Alberta's premier and so did her travel scout, forwarding photos of hotels and suites, sussing out suitable patios and restaurants and at least once advising on public toilets.

Michelle Tetreault went to such locales as China, India, Switzerland, London and Washington in the 20 months she held the position that International Relations Minister Cal Dallas said didn't exist before Redford came to power.

The Canadian Press obtained nearly 1,600 pages of Tetreault's emails through the Freedom of Information Act. Although many portions were blanked out, the documents provide a glimpse into the mysterious job.

Tetreault travelled to most locations months before the former premier, often flying business class. Government staff are allowed to fly business class on international trips longer than four hours as long as it is pre-approved.

Tetreault travelled to China in June 2012 before Redford's trade mission the following September. She compiled photos, including one of a "traditional Chinese restaurant" and another location where Redford and her staff could have steak and eggs for breakfast because "the owner sells Alberta beef."

Tetreault also set out a list of China travel tips for staff: it's custom not to place a purse or briefcase on the floor, and remember "public toilets are all crouch only."

She went to India at the end of 2013 in advance of Redford's trade mission and networking last January.

In tips Tetreault later sent to staff, some of it referenced from travel books, she included advice on shopping for souvenirs, when women should wear head scarves and historical background on the Taj Mahal.

Weather was also noted. In New Delhi, she reported, "mornings will likely consist of heavy fog until 9:30 a.m. A light jacket may be required."

Tetreault got the job shortly after Redford and the Progressive Conservatives won the 2012 election. A provincial directory lists her salary as $127,827 the following year.

The rest is here:
A look at the job of Alison Redford's former travel scout