STARBUCKS - Bans Smoking Within 25 Feet of Shops

*Courtesy NBCDFW

"Coffee and cigarettes, for some, are an inseparable pair.  But if that coffee is from Starbucks, smokers will have to take a walk if they want to light up.

Cigarettes and their electronic counterparts will no longer be permitted within 25 feet of any Starbucks storefront in the U.S. or Canada effective Saturday.  The ban will also prohibit smoking on Starbucks patios—a policy that's already in effect in some parts of the country with more stringent smoking regulations.

"The intent is to provide a healthy environment for our customers in the outdoor seating areas of our stores," Starbucks spokesperson Jaime Riley said.

Smoking is currently banned inside all Starbucks locations."