Missouri City’s no-smoking ordinance will officially be in effect Oct. 1. The measure, which council approved at its July 6 meeting, prohibits lighting up in most public places.
Restricted areas in the regulation include:
- Most enclosed public places, including restaurants, libraries, elevators, polling places, pool and billiard halls, bingo facilities and educational facilities
- Areas within 20 feet of the playing surface or competition area during a youth sporting event at a City park
- Outdoor areas within 25 feet of entrances to public places
- Workplaces
Smoking will still be allowed in the following places:
- Outdoor seating areas of restaurants 25 feet or more from nonsmoking areas
- Private residences except those used as an adult daycare or child care home
- Private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes
- Retail tobacco stores and tobacco bars
- Certain stage performances when smoking is part of an act
Violations will be punishable by a fine of up to $500. Owners, operators and managers of public places and workplaces will be responsible for posting “No Smoking” signs announcing the ban and for removing ashtrays from areas where smoking is restricted.
