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Jun 30, 2008 7:10 am US/Central
Coalition Looks To Expand Dallas Smoking Ban
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Smokers can still light up at a few places in Dallas. But for how long?
A coalition of anti-smoking groups has announced plans to lobby Dallas city leaders to expand the city's smoking ban.
The current Dallas smoking ordinance allows smokers to light up in places like bars, taverns, pool halls and tobacco shops. Smoking is also permitted on outdoor patios.
However, if the new coalition called 'Smoke-Free Dallas' has its way, the city would become smoke-free at all indoor locations. The group plans to push Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and the city council to broaden the smoking ban to include all indoor public and work places. That would include bars and other places where smoking is now permitted.
Additional details are expected to come at a Monday afternoon news conference.
Some Dallas city leaders have already expressed a willingness to toughen the city's anti-smoking stand, but they can expect resistance from bar owners who, along with many restaurant operators, complained bitterly when the first smoking ordinance went into effect in 2003.
Bar and restaurant operators argue that their businesses would be hurt by strict smoking ordinances because smokers could take their money to other North Texas cities without such restrictions.
These concerns have some industry groups pushing for a statewide smoking ban. But until state lawmakers decide to tackle the issue, they will be watching developments in Dallas very closely.
There will be no immediate changes to the current smoking ordinance. The Dallas city council is currently on a summer break until August 4. Upon returning from break, they must first deal with budget woes and existing controversies before engaging in new battles.
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