Oct 11, 2006 9:58 am US/Central
Arlington Council Approves Smoking Ban 8-1
(CBS 11 News)
Arlington City Council members voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve a stricter smoking ordinance.
The ban will prohibit smoking in all restaurants and some bars and other places starting Jan. 1. Smokers could face a $330 fine for violations.
City leaders commissioned a survey of Texas cities and thier smoking ordinances earlier this year. Advisers presented a March 10 memo that detailed the results.
Of the six of the 17 major Texas cities surveyed have banned smoking without exception in workplaces and public buildings. Four have banned smoking without exception in restaurants while two have banned smoking without exception in bars.
Austin and El Paso have banned smoking without exception in all three places.
In August, some Arlington bar owners said if stricter smoking regulations are put in place, it could force them out of business.
Proponents of the tougher smoking policy say that even with a ventilation system, non-smokers are still exposed to second- hand smoke. Recent reports showed higher risks of second hand smoke exposure.
The Fort Worth City Council also will review a similar smoking proposal. They could vote on that issue in January.
The City of Dallas passed an aggressive smoking ban for restaurants and bars in 2002.
(CBS 11 News)
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