Dec 28, 2007 6:56 pm US/Central
Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect For McKinney
McKINNEY (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Smokers in McKinney had better start enjoying their last days of lighting up anywhere they want. Starting on New Year's Day, the city will be fining people caught smoking in certain areas.
The ordinance, adopted in September 2007, prohibits smoking in public places.
Businesses with a valid certificate of occupancy have until September 4, 2008 to comply. This includes all enclosed places of employment such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, theaters, hospitals, public transit, parks, museums and common areas at apartment complexes.
"Anyone who chooses to smoke can still do so on their personal property, among other select places," said John Kessel, Executive Director of Development Services in McKinney. The list of "select places" includes the porches and yards of homes, personal automobiles, tobacco retail stores and designated smoking rooms.
Hotels and motels are allowed to designate no more than 10 percent of their rooms as smoking rooms. They must all be on the same floor, adjacent to other smoking rooms, and contain their own ventilation system.
Smoking will also be allowed in the parking lots of parks and on public sidewalks located over 25 feet from a door or window.
"We're really focused on public health," Kessel explained, "and maintaining the quality of life that helps make McKinney unique."
Kessel continued, "The last time the city had updated any smoking ordinance was about 15 years ago, and the population has more than quadrupled since then."
Those found in violation of the ordinance could face a $500 fine.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
