Phase 2 of McKinney Smoking Ordinance Goes into Effect Sept 4
October 5, 2008 by admin
Filed under Press Releases
Press Release
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
afolmnsb@mckinneytexas.org
972-547-7525
Phase 2 of McKinney Smoking Ordinance Goes into Effect Sept. 4
McKINNEY, Texas (Aug. 29, 2008) - Smoking regulations in McKinney went into effect on New
Year’s Day this year, banning smoking in many public places. Starting Sept. 4, the second and final phase of the smoking regulations goes into effect, which means no smoking in businesses across McKinney.
The second phase includes all enclosed places of employment within the city, retail stores, offices, restaurants, public transit, museums, theaters, public parks, hospitals and common use areas in apartment and other buildings. The date for enforcing the final phase is exactly one year from the date City Council adopted the ordinance.
“We granted existing businesses with a valid certificate of occupancy dated prior to Jan. 1, 2008, a full year from the Sept. 4, 2007, ordinance adoption date to comply with the smoking ordinance,” said Community Development Director Sam Chavez. “Anyone who chooses to smoke can still do so on their personal property, among other select places.”
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, on public sidewalks at least 25 feet from doors and windows, and in parking lots within public parks.
“Our focus for the ordinance is public health,” said Chavez. “We have had great compliance with the first phase of the ordinance, and many establishments voluntarily have been smoke-free for quite a while.”
In addition to local businesses, 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, to view the ordinance, or to download a copy of the “No Smoking” sign, visit www.mckinneyinfo.com.
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