I googled "banning briquettes or wood for cooking" and found very limited instances: e.g.; during massive wildfires, temperature inversions, etc.
Examples:
In TX, it appears it's okay if inside a metal grill or smoker:
http://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/b...-and-whats-not
So yeah, it happens. But it's very limited. If you have some information to the contrary, I'd appreciate getting it.
Or maybe it's a new PETA conspiracy because eating meat is immoral?