Posted 2:26 am Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Task Force Considers Smoking Exemptions
By ADRIENNE GRAHAM
Staff Writer
Smoking may be permitted in stores specializing in tobacco sales under a proposed smoking ban ordinance, members of the Tyler Smoking Ordinance Special Task Force said Monday.
Staff Writer
Smoking may be permitted in stores specializing in tobacco sales under a proposed smoking ban ordinance, members of the Tyler Smoking Ordinance Special Task Force said Monday.
The proposed ordinance will call for a smoking ban in all public facilities, including restaurants and bars, and could go before City Council by next month, task force chair Nathaniel Moran said.
"There is a good likelihood that tobacco stores in Tyler will be exempt due to the nature of their businesses," Moran said.
The task force met Monday to discuss possible exemptions to the ban, as well as some of the specific rules of the new ordinance.
Task force members agreed to consider and further research other examples of exemptions in the 17 Texas cities that are currently smoke-free, such as pool halls and uncovered patios.
Task force members also agreed to suggest setting the distance from which smokers are allowed to stand by public buildings at 20 feet.
Members also suggested setting guidelines for issuing tickets to violators and business owners at $300 for first-time offenders.
The task force will not officially meet again, but will continue to gather input and iron out further details of the ordinance before submitting its final draft to City Council for consideration.
Moran has said the committee intends to submit a final draft of the ordinance by February.
"Because of the nature of this task I doubt ever committee member will agree on every item. Our purpose is to provide a good base document to present to city council," Moran said.
Suggestions and comments can be e-mailed to the Tyler City Council through the city of Tyler Web site at www.cityoftyler.org.
