WS Item 4 (2)1
Mr Mayor and Council Members,
I’m here to talk with you about possible changes to the City’s Smoking Ordinance.
•Much discussion about the impacts of public smoking
•Government studies/surgeon general
•Public health regulations –trends
•Private self-regulation
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First I’d like to address why the City might consider revising the smoking ordinance.
What you see on the screen are just some of the reasons why many communities across the country are
changing their standards –
Just 6 months ago, the US Surgeon General issued a comprehensive report on 2 nd hand smoke.
The Surgeon General has concluded that smoke-free workplace policies are the only effective way to
eliminate second smoke exposure in the workplace. Separating smokers from non smokers, cleaning the
air and ventilation of he building cannot eliminate exposure.
The workplace is a major source of second hand exposure for adults and has been linked to an increase
for heart disease and lung cancer among non-smokers.
According to the study only 43 percent of the population works under a 100% smoke free workplace
policies and only 28% of wait and 13% of bartenders work under such policies. Approximately 7 million
people work in food preparation and service and 20% of these workers are teenagers.
We’ve heard for years about the direct effect of smoke on smokers like ABC anchor Peter Jennings who
passed away in August of 2006… but recently much more attention has been paid to 2 nd-hand smoke.
Consider the case of Dana Reeve –the wife of actor Christopher Reeve. She never smoked a day in her
life yet died in 2006 just three months before the surgeon general’s report died at age 44 from lung
cancer. Before she died she spoke of years of 2 nd hand smoke exposure during her career as an actress,
singer and dancer.
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Here in the Metroplex there are several cities who have either adopted or are
considering changes to their smoking policies including Irving and Fort Worth,
Arlington and Dallas. These cities have determined that the public health concerns
warrant more stringent requirements in their codes.
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Businesses are also concerned about public health.
1) Westin Hotels and Resorts ban smoking inside and at poolside for all 77
properties in the US and Canada.,
2) The Gaylord Texan in neighboring Grapevine as of Mid-February will ban
smoking everywhere except the cigar lounge. These businesses have clearly done
their homework. In the Star Telegram January 9 th a Gaylord Spokesman said quote
"Research has shown that in areas where this has happened, it hasn't caused a
problem, both in overall customer satisfaction or in revenue.” Other hotels are also
changing their policies.
3) Certain International House of Pancakes have stated their intention to become
smoke free facilities
4) As of June 1, 2006, 13 states have laws requiring private work places to be
smoke free (restaurants and bars)
5) State lawmakers are also considering changes statewide… A recent article in the
Midland-Reporter Telegram points out the actions of Houston Senator Rodney Ellis.
He has drafted a bill that would prohibit smoking in all public establishments.
According to the article he knows the bill will be a tough sell, but he feels it’s time to
try because of the effects of second-hand smoke
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Turning our focus back to Southlake… in 19-98 when we adopted the current
ordinance –we were a metroplex leader by enacting laws that placed the health of
our residents and visitors first.
The ordinance allowed for building owners and operators to establish no smoking
area as long as notice is posted and receptacles for the extinguishment of smoking
materials are placed within 20’ of the entrance, and established building
requirements to offset the effects of second hand smoke.
It also prohibited smoking in a variety of places including elevators, indoor retail
areas and indoor places owned by the city or school systems.
That includes: theaters, auditoriums, performing arts, or athletic event
indoor facilities and any primary or secondary schools
public spectator seating of arenas or outdoor events with chairs (with exception)
health care facilities (with exception)
work place (with exceptions)
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The current ordinance permits smoking if ….
Smoking and Non-smoking Areas are physically separated
An “Air Curtain” Installed
The areas for smoking and non smoking are clearly designated
And ash trays provided at smoking area perimeter
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Currently we have seven restaurants where smoking is permitted:
Kirby’s Steak House
Snookies Bar and Grill
Po Melvin’s
Snuffers
Southlake Tavern
Red Lobster
All conform to the current rules that I specified in the pervious full screen
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Now that we’ve seen the current law let’s talk about the changes. If adopted the
new ordinance would prohibit smoking in:
RestaurantsRestaurants
Bars or TavernsBars or Taverns
Outdoor Dining AreasOutdoor Dining Areas
And within 12 feet of public building or restaurant entrance And within 12 feet of public building or restaurant entrance
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Further it would become unlawful to place ashtrays, Smoking Paraphernalia or
Smoking Permitted Signs within 12 feet of public building or restaurant
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Finally all restaurants, bars and taverns would need to post the internationally
accepted sign for no smoking and make it clearly visible to any person entering a
public establishment or restaurant
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At this point you might be asking the question where would smoking be allowed?
Private Residences
Designated Hotel Rooms
and areas 12 or more feet away from public buildings and restaurants.
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With regards to Southlake Parks… Section 12 of the Southlake City Code covering
park and recreation specifically bans smoking in dugouts, bleachers and congested
park areas. The proposed changes we are talking about tonight do not address
changes in the parks but if that is a issue council would like to address we can
certainly take look at that as well.
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Now that you’ve heard about the Parks aspect to the ordinance it’s time to talk
about the next steps for Council…
Options include:
Setting up a SPIN Meeting for Public Input with the idea that we need the feedback
to fully discuss all implications of changes.
Considering Key Policy Decisions including applicability –will there be exceptions
as in the case of the Gaylord Cigar Room –Public Park considerations, and others
that the council might be concerned with….
And Adoption by Ordinance
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Realizing that the proposed changes are comprehensive I’m happy to take your
questions and address concerns.
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