HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8852INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
No. 8852
June 19, 2007
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: SMOKING ORDINANCE REVIEW PROCESS UPDATE
BACKGROUND:
In 2006, City Council endorsed initiation of an open, public process to elicit input from citizens on the
merits of strengthening the City's current smoking ordinance. An ad hoc work group was formed with
input by the City Council, with membership representing the broad spectrum of opinions and interests on
this topic. The ad hoc work group met nine times during the months of June through September 2006,
resulting in specific recommendations to Council. As a very broad overview, the ad hoc work group
recommendations included banning smoking in all restaurants, in all bars, within 20 feet of business
entrances, service lines and most indoor places of business. There were a few business exceptions
recommended where smoking would be allowed, including sexually- oriented businesses, private clubs, and
other public places being used for private functions.
Four public hearings were then held to obtain feedback on the ad hoc work group recommendations and
other citizen feedback mechanisms were established and monitored (i.e., dedicated e-mail addresses and
phone lines) to facilitate ongoing citizen input. Near the conclusion of the public hearings, state legislation
was introduced that, if passed, would impact any local ordinance amendments being considered. Instead of
moving forward with consideration of a local ordinance amendment that might contradict proposed state
legislation, it was determined that learning the fate of these legislative bills before taking further steps
would be prudent. SB 368 and HB 9 were the two smoking- related bills introduced into the legislative
process in Austin. Neither bill was adopted by the Texas Legislature during the recent session. Without
the prospect of state smoking legislation being enacted, Fort Worth's local process can now proceed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS INPUT:
The City's local process was postponed upon learning of the proposed state legislation. This occurred just
after completion of four public hearings which were conducted in each of the city's geographic quadrants,
to elicit public input on the smoking ordinance amendments proposed by the ad hoc work group. An
upcoming presentation to Council will provide detail of the input collected at the four public hearings;
however, the following is a very broad overview:
A total of 303 individuals attended the four public hearings. Of these 303 individuals, each was provided a
survey to fill out and offered the opportunity to speak. A total of 147 individuals spoke at the hearings.
Many individuals attended more than one hearing, filled out more than one survey and spoke on more than
one occasion. Below is an unduplicated count of survey results.
FOR
AGAINST
111
114
Prohibit smoking in restaurants
80
146
Prohibit smoking in bars
73
153
Prohibit smpking in billiard halls
80
1 156
Prohibit smoking in b o p1LIon
87
139
Prohibit smoking in bowling centers
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
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Of the 99 unduplicated speakers, 48 spoke in favor of the ad hoe work group recommendations while 51
voiced opposition. Of those who were opposed, the most common concern expressed related to personal
rights and the potential economic impact on local bars and charitable bingo. Of those who spoke in favor
of further restrictions, health concerns were cited most frequently as determining factors.
PROPOSED PROCESS TIMELINE:
With, the cancellation of the June 26 and July 3 City Council meetings, and in anticipation of a full council
agenda on July 10, the following schedule is proposed:
Between June 19 and July 17:
As Council requested, a meeting will be conducted with stockyard business owners to discuss their
specific business impact concerns related to the possibility of a smoking ban.
Should you have any questions prior to the July 17th work session, please contact Dan Reimer, Public
Health Director, at (817) 871-7201 or Joe Paniagua, Assistant City Manager, at (817) 392-6191.
Charles R. Boswell
City Manager
1 SSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Prohibit smoking in office buildings
Prohibit smokin in service lines (interior and exterior)
Prohibit smoking within 20 feet of entrances/1,A4ndows, etc., of regulated facilities
Exempt retail tobacco stores
Exempt adult entertainment venues
Exempt outside dining patios
Of the 99 unduplicated speakers, 48 spoke in favor of the ad hoe work group recommendations while 51
voiced opposition. Of those who were opposed, the most common concern expressed related to personal
rights and the potential economic impact on local bars and charitable bingo. Of those who spoke in favor
of further restrictions, health concerns were cited most frequently as determining factors.
PROPOSED PROCESS TIMELINE:
With, the cancellation of the June 26 and July 3 City Council meetings, and in anticipation of a full council
agenda on July 10, the following schedule is proposed:
Between June 19 and July 17:
As Council requested, a meeting will be conducted with stockyard business owners to discuss their
specific business impact concerns related to the possibility of a smoking ban.
Should you have any questions prior to the July 17th work session, please contact Dan Reimer, Public
Health Director, at (817) 871-7201 or Joe Paniagua, Assistant City Manager, at (817) 392-6191.
Charles R. Boswell
City Manager
1 SSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS