Starbucks Bans Smoking at Its Outdoor Cafes

If you're one of those people who like to light up a cigarette with your coffee, you won't be doing that at Starbucks any longer.

The gourmet coffee chain has banned smoking in Starbucks coffee shops, the outdoor patios and within 25 feet of the doors, according to a company statement.

According to The Huffington Post, the ban will affect about 7,000 stores across the country — both those that have outdoor seating and those that do not.

There are two Starbucks locations on Maple Ave in Vienna. The location on the corner of Center Street does not have outdoor seating, but the shop near the intersection of Park Street does.

"We apologize for any inconvenience but we are complying with many current and future regulations," was the explanation. Printed cards at the stores tell patrons about the new policy.

The company's transition to a completely smoke-free environment could be a radical change for some regulars who are used to sitting at the outdoor cafe tables to smoke, drink coffee, work on laptops and socialize.

Are you for or against the smoking ban at Starbucks? Tell us what you think in the comments.