Media Release
Monday, August 27, 2007
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Lewisville City Council opts against November election on smoking ban
The Lewisville City Council decided tonight not to hold a Nov. 6 election that would have let voters consider a proposed smoking ban at local restaurants and bars, opting to study the issue further with the possibility of holding an election next year.
The council scheduled an Oct. 15 work session to review draft ordinance language and consider holding a May 13, 2008, election, either placing an ordinance up for voter consideration or asking for a non-binding referendum on the possible smoking ban.
There have been at least nine smoking-related elections conducted in eight Texas cities, starting with a Wichita Falls vote in 1994. Most recently, in May 2007, Baytown voters rejected a repeal of a non-smoking ordinance adopted following a November 2006 election. Other cities where elections have been held on smoking restrictions include Abilene, Austin, Copperas Cove, Corpus Christi, Vernon and Victoria. The vote in Abilene was a non-binding referendum that was followed by an ordinance drafted and approved by the city council that banned smoking in all public buildings.
Tonight’s meeting lasted slightly less than two hours and featured comments from about eight audience members, including two restaurant/bar owners and representatives of the American Cancer Society and a national anti-smoking group. The speakers were split in their stand on the draft ordinances as well as on the possibility of holding a citywide election.
Lewisville council members were presented with two draft ordinances last week after voting to hold tonight’s special meeting. One draft would ban indoor smoking in all restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and pool halls. It would allow smoking in outdoor dining areas, but not within 20 feet of the primary public entrance to any affected business. The other draft would have similar provisions, but would exclude businesses that make more than 50 percent of their food and beverage revenue from alcohol sales.
Media contact: Community Relations & Tourism Director James Kunke, (972) 219-3726
