Print Version
E-mail This StorySmoking will be taken up as an issue on Jan. 6 at a public hearing in Rowlett.
The Dallas City Council, which voted on expanding its smoking laws on Wednesday, gave Rowlett a glimpse of the debate ahead.
Some Dallas business owners say expanding the law in Dallas will hurt sales just when the economy is already down. Smoking was banned in Dallas restaurants in 2003.
Those for expanding the law in Dallas say local government should step in because it is a health issue.
The council vote on a new Dallas ordinance included these points:
-- No ashtrays in a business where smoking is banned.
-- No smoking signs must be posted where they can be easily seen.
-- Fines for business owners if they let someone smoke inside a location where smoking is against the law. Fines would be from $25 to $200.
-- No smoking in bars, pool halls or in any area within 15 feet of the door to a business.
-- Tobacco shops and cigar bars would still be legal places to smoke.
Another debating point is allowing smoking on restaurant patios.
The new Dallas law could be enforced as early as April 10, just five days before federal taxes are due.
Let your viewpoint be known, write Letters to the Editor, 303 N. Galloway Ave., Mesquite, TX 75149 or e-mail bbearden@acnpapers.com.
