Smoking to be allowed at Paul Brown Stadium

CINCINNATI - Smoking will now be allowed at Paul Brown Stadium during Bengals games.

After much feedback from fans, Bob Bedinghaus, director of business development, said the new smoking policy seemed "worth a shot."

Under the new policy, there will be designated smoking areas at Gates A, C, D and E for those who would like to take a smoke break and leave the stadium. This is the first time in the stadium's 12-year history that smoking will be allowed in designated spots outside the stadium.

The smoking areas are in restricted areas outside the stadium but not where people from the outside would be able to get in.

In the past, smokers would smoke in restrooms and concourse areas despite it being illegal to do so.

Bedinghaus said those caught smoking in the stands were immediately thrown out while those caught smoking in the restroom or concourse area would be given a warning. After the first warning, if caught a second time they'd be thrown out as well.

Bedinghaus added that those policies will remain in affect, but it's anticipated that those problems will be no more with the new designated smoking areas.

The smoking areas will be available at the start of the Bengals' preseason.