Each Friday we take a look at new legislation on a local or state level.. This is what is happening this week…. Alaska – Governor Bill Walker has introduced HB304 that would raise the tobacco tax within the state. The current tax is 75% of the wholesale price and the new proposal would change it to 100% of the wholesale cost. Currently a cigar that has an MSRP of $10.00 in the state costs $13.75, under the […]
According to a press release from the city of Edinburg, TX the City Council unanimously amended an ordinance that makes smoking illegal within the city limits. The ban prohibits smoking in places of employment, public places, outdoor areas and all city owned facilities. These spots include but are not limited to the local aquarium, offices, hotels, motels, bars, bingo parlors, comedy clubs, convention center, elevators, theaters, adult care, lobbies, hallways, common areas of buildings and […]
In a move that circumvents the Democratic process, the City Council of San Antonio made changes to the municipal smoking ban without a public discussion or hearing. The council approved a ban that prohibits the use of tobacco in two of the cities highest traffic areas. It is now illegal to enjoy a legal product in the Main Plaza and Travis Park.
Earlier this year the City Council of Port Lavaca, Texas voted to ban smoking at bars and other indoor areas. However, after 204 registered voters signed a petition to place a referendum on the issue the move went back to the City Council. According to a quote in the Victoria Advocate the owner of The Other Office Bar Christine Henze Demeio, says the ban had killed her business and that she wasn’t approached before the indoor […]
It’s a bad day for Texas as Sherman joins Waco in passing a new ordinance that bans smoking in bars and restaurants. The new measure goes into effect immediately and passed by a 5-2 margin with violations carrying a fine of up to $500. You can still smoke on patios however that are 25 feet away from the main entrance.
According to a published report in the Waco Tribune smoking in bars, restaurants and other enclosed public spaces will become illegal after January 1, 2016. The ban did undergo some minor tweaks that will allow businesses to create a smoking patio and it was passed 5-1. The new ordinance replaces one that was adopted in 2009 that exempted existing bars and allowed walled off, separately ventilated smoking rooms in restaurants and other businesses. The lone vote and voice […]
It turns out not everything is bigger in Texas as Wylie has rejected stricter smoking issues. On March 24th, the City Council meeting came down to a debate limiting government intrusion between city officials and residents and in the end the vote rejected a measure that would have banned smoking where food is served. The biggest argument was that the business in the city choose to regulate this issue as they see fit, and in fact […]
On Monday, the Sherman City Council heard a request to ban smoking in restaurants and bars within city limits. With other ordinances in place throughout the northern part of the state, resident Joshua Loe approached the City Council stating that the Sherman was falling behind and needs to be a progressive community. According to Mayor Cary Wacker, most people are in favor of the smoking ban. The next step is for the City Council to […]
Currently in the Health & Human Services committee is bill S.B. 648 which would raise the minimum purchase of tobacco in the state of Texas from 18 to 19. The bill was introduced by Juan Hinojosa-D, Joan Huffman-R and Carlos Uresti-D. If passed selling to those under 19 would result in a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of $500.00. It would also prohibit those under 19 from entering a humidor in the state. Texas […]
In the city of El Paso, Texas the Housing Authority is seeking to make all of the public housing smoke-free according to a new policy adopted by Authority Commissioners. The housing units in El Paso are in the process of being converted to Rental Assistance Demonstration, aka RAD during a renovation project which will cost $600 million dollars. In order to live in these housing units the tenants must sign a provision in their lease […]