‘No smoking’ signs to grace city

July 18--Wichita Falls' new smoking ordinance got off to a slow start Thursday.

With a two-year grace period for most affected businesses -- bars, restau­rants with separate smok­ing sections and fraternal organizations -- t o be in compliance with regula­tions, the day saw city of­fices preparing to govern.

"We've ordered new metal (no smoking) signs that will be paid for by grant dollars and will be sharing them with stake­holders like restaurants and other businesses," said Amy Fagan, assistant director for the Wichita County Public Health District, charged with enforcing both old and new smoking ordinances. "They should be ready by next week."

The manager of one local restaurant grandfathered in under the ordinance until 2016 said they're taking things "one day at a time."

"We had some custom­ers who signed the peti­tion, but lots of nonsmok­ers do business with us," she said, asking her name not be used. "I think if you own a business you ought to be able to do whatever you want there."

For all businesses that admit anyone under age 18 (retailers, malls, of­fices and restaurants that don't have designated in­side smoking space) new regulations mean outdoor areas where customers and employees are al­lowed to smoke must be at least 20 feet away from the entrance or an open window.

For businesses that serve only clientele 18 and older, the setback is 5 feet.

Because smoking will also be prohibited within 20 feet of outdoor pub­lic places that include playgrounds in the city's parks, Fagan said the Parks & Recreation De­partment is gearing up to post its own real estate.

The city's offices at Municipal Auditorium provide outdoor benches for smokers, although the assistant director said, "We haven't put a tape measure to it yet" to meet the 20-foot requirement.

"City employees are be­ing offered smoking ces­sation classes because we're hoping for an over­all culture change," Fagan said. "We're also hoping to improve insurance rates."

Fagan was quick to point out studies that show 21 percent of Wich­ita Falls residents smoke.

"This has never been about smoker vs. non­smoker. It's about pro­tecting the health of our citizens."

This has never been about smoker vs. nonsmoker. It's about protecting the health of our citizens."

Amy Fagan, assistant director for the Wichita County Public Health District

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