A new city ordinance that could expand San Luis Obispo’s smoking ban to most public outdoor spaces has raised concerns among some business owners that it could negatively affect their bottom lines.

Currently, San Luis Obispo prohibits smoking inside bars, restaurants, and all government and public facilities. The city made headlines in 1990 when it became the first city in the world to institute such a ban — and now it may go further.

On Dec. 1, the City Council discussed a proposal brought forth by the Parks and Recreation Commission to ban the use of tobacco from city-owned recreation areas, including Mission Plaza and its adjacent creek walk, and included a strong recommendation to consider banning smoking in other public areas such as downtown sidewalks.

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