The Dallas City Council just approved a new ordinance Wednesday that expands the city's current smoking ordinance to include businesses like billard halls and bars.
Recent discussions over the ordinance stirred passions from both sides of the aisle, with Dallas bar owners saying it would hurt businesses that support the city's economy, while supporters pushed for the ban saying it's a health issue. Other citizens argued against the ban, calling it an invasion of personal rights.
The ban advocates won based on the council's vote. In a 10-to-5 vote, the Dallas City Council passed the ban on Wednesday.
It's about time!
As a smoker, I actually prefer the smoking ban in Chicago. It's sucks freezing your ass off outside in the winter, but all in all, it's a good thing for all involved. The only thing that really pisses me off is when concert venues won't let you go out for a puff. 3+ hours of drinking with no nicotine makes me really cranky.
Posted by: Justin | December 11, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Bar and restaurant sales have actually gone up since Boston banned cig smoking in them. Glad to hear Dallas is doing this. Smart move.
Posted by: Ctprep | December 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM
It is nice not to leave a place smelling like an ash tray. However I am repelled at the "nanny state" mentality that seems to prevail these days. I would much prefer that bars etc ban smoking on their own.
Posted by: FortWorthGuy | December 13, 2008 at 10:59 PM
One of the best things about the smoking ban is when you can put your clothes on from the night before, without smelling like death...
...of course assuming you don't mind wearing the same clothes for a few days...
...not that I'm unsanitary or something...er...ya...
Posted by: Thomas | December 14, 2008 at 01:00 AM
yeh I can't wait til the ban takes affect, was at Zipper's the other night and my eyes pretty much crusted over, it's disgusting. Not that Zipper's will suddenly be a nice a clean bar, but you might be able to actually see that dancers then instead of peering through the fog . . .
Posted by: randy | December 29, 2008 at 10:23 PM
I guess it's about time. Boston has had that ordinance for years. I didn't think there were any major metropolitan areas in the US left.
Posted by: Rick | January 13, 2009 at 05:24 AM
I was just up in Scranton, PA and they do not have a full ban on some places. Coming from bars in NY and CT where you can't smoke it was DISGUSTING.
I am happy places are picking up on this.
Posted by: JP | February 19, 2009 at 03:24 AM
If we all wrapped up in bubblewrap and stayed inside think how much safer we would all be.WAKE UP!!! Today tobacco,tomorrow beer,then what? Gee,better enjoy that unhealthy fast food while you can.
Posted by: David Alan Herr | February 21, 2009 at 08:29 PM
What pisses me off is that Dallas only enforces the laws that it wants to enforce and does not enforce others equally. Smoking has not been outlawed in this country, but illegal aliens are here and the laws on the books should be enforced just as the no smoking in bars should also be. This is called SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT and should not be practiced by law enforcement!!!
Posted by: Vito Vasquez | August 09, 2009 at 03:56 PM