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 of reason came from Councilman John Kinnaird who stated at the first reading that the measure went to far in interfering with the right of businesses.
