Rowlett to discuss smoking ordinance at January 20 meeting with possible vote in February

by PegNews wire

ROWLETT — Approximately a dozen residents and business owners voiced their opinions last night to the Rowlett City Council during a public hearing about a possible citywide smoking ban.

Mayor John Harper said the Council plans to bring the issue back for further discussion at the January 20 City Council work session before considering a possible vote on a revised smoking ordinance in February. He encouraged the audience, and those watching the TV broadcast replay, to continue to submit their opinions and concerns.

Several of those who spoke at the public hearing were not in favor of a stricter smoking ban in the City, saying they were concerned that a smoking ban ordinance would be “an infringement of their rights.” The city, however, received approximately 53 emails prior to the public hearing with the majority of those being in favor of a stricter ordinance.

Numerous cities in the Metroplex have adopted strict smoking ordinances, including Dallas. An area restaurant/bar smoking ordinance map from the Texas Department of State Health Services of DFW cities is posted on the City of Rowlett Web site.

Those who were unable attend the public hearing are encouraged to email the City Council at citycouncil@rowlett.com to submit comments.

Source: City of Rowlett

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