Smoking verboten in McKinney as of January 1

by PegNews wire

New smoking regulations in McKinney go into effect Jan. 1, 2008. The ordinance adopted by McKinney City Council in September 2007 bans smoking in any public places in the city starting New Year's Day.

However, existing businesses with a valid certificate of occupancy dated prior to Jan. 1, 2008, have until Sept. 4, 2008, to comply with the ordinance. Smoking will be prohibited in all enclosed places of employment within the city on Sept. 4, including retail stores, offices, restaurants, public transit, museums, theaters, public parks, hospitals and common use areas in apartment and other buildings.

"Anyone who chooses to smoke can still do so on their personal property, among other select places. Smoking is also allowed in the parking lots of city parks and on public sidewalks more than 25 feet from a door or window. We're really focused on public health and maintaining the quality of life that helps make McKinney unique," said Executive Director of Development Services John Kessel.

McKinney's ordinance allows smoking in private residences, including porch and yard areas, personal automobiles, retail tobacco stores and designated smoking rooms of country clubs. Smoking is also allowed in outdoor places of employment, public sidewalks 25 feet from doors and windows, and parking lots within public parks.

"The last time the city had updated any smoking ordinance was about 15 years ago, and the population has more than quadrupled since then," Kessel continued. "We needed a new ordinance that reflects the changes since our last updated ordinance and better protects the health of our citizens.

In addition, not more than 10 percent of hotel and motel rooms can be designated smoking rooms. All smoking rooms must be on the same floor, adjacent to the other smoking rooms and require separate ventilation systems.

Any person or business violating the ordinance will be punishable by a fine of up to $500. For more information about McKinney's smoking ordinance, visit the city's Web site.

Source: City of McKinney