Montgomery County may pass a bill that will ban smoking in restaurant outdoor serving areas.

The Montgomery County Council’s Health and Human Services Committee introduced the legislation to the council. Councilmember Sidney Katz has been advocating for a healthier environment for residents. Katz says if passed, smoking would only be allowed on rooftop and balcony designated areas. A decision will be made by next month.

“Second-hand smoke has been a concern, it’s a health issue and it’s been a concern for many many years,” Katz said.

Both Rockville and Gaithersburg have already implemented a similar smoking ban.