It was almost four months ago that the D.C. Council gave its second and final endorsement to the smoking ban in bars and restaurants, delighting anti-smoking advocates. Civil libertarians and representatives of the city’s hospitality industry weren’t as happy, but they had one hope left — for Congress to strike down the ban.

According to a newsletter from Council-member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), that didn’t happen, and as of this coming Monday, smoking will be banned in all indoor work places, notably restaurants. The newsletter reads:

This means, as of Monday, April 3, smoking will be prohibited in all public places of employment and enclosed public spaces except clubs, nightclubs, taverns, brew pubs and restaurant bars.

The legislation, which the DC Council passed on January 4, authorizes the Department of Health to inspect all places of employment and enclosed public places to ensure smoking is prohibited. Fines will be levied on an establishment if found to be in violation.

Several establishments will not be affected by the April 3 date, but have until January 1, 2007 to come into compliance. Those include clubs, nightclubs, taverns, brewpubs, and restaurant bars. After the 2007 date, the only establishments where smoking will be allowed are cigar bars, hookah cafes, restaurants, taverns, brew pubs and similar establishments where at least 10% of business is generated by over-the-counter tobacco sales.

Enjoy those cigarettes at dinner while you can, D.C.