City hosts public education forums to discuss new smoking ordinance

DALLAS – The City of Dallas is hosting public forums to discuss revisions to the City’s smoking ordinance, designed to create healthy, smoke-free public places and workplaces in Dallas. The public is encouraged to attend any of the following public education forums:

03/12/09 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

City Place Conference Center

2711 N Haskell

Neighborhood Forum

03/16/09 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Eco Park Auditorium

5215 Simpson Stewart Rd

Neighborhood Forum

03/17/09 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Dunbar Lancaster Kiest

Library Auditorium, 2008 Kiest Blvd.

Neighborhood Forum

3/18/09 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Polk-Wisdom Library Auditorium

7151 Library Lane

Neighborhood Forum

3/19/09 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Martin Luther King Center Bldg E

2922 Martin Luther King Blvd

Neighborhood Forum

3/25/09 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Fretz Park Library

6990 Beltline Rd

Neighborhood Forum

Any person found to be violating the new ordinance, which takes effect April 10, 2009, could receive a citation and a $200 fine per offense. The modifications to the ordinance expand the areas where smoking is not allowed and increase the accountability of businesses to adhere to the ordinance and maintain smoke-free establishments. Business establishments are also required to remove all ashtrays from non-smoking areas and provide designated signage.

The ordinance is available online at www.dallascityhall.com. Residents may call 311, the City’s non-emergency number, to report violations.