What do you think about a total ban on smoking in virtually all Dallas public places, including bars and patios? An enterprise story by Dave Levinthal with the News asked that question to incoming members of the Dallas City Council, and here’s what he found out: Six Council members say they absolutely support expanding the smoking ban, five say "maybe" (that’s already a majority of the Council, if you’re keeping count), while the remaining four say either "no" or "not sure/probably not".
Counting noses around here finds Jerry Allen and Angela Hunt (M-Streets and beyond) willing to vote "yes" and Sheffie Kadane (Lakewood and East Dallas) ready to vote "no". Allen told the News "it should be expanded to bars" and Hunt cited "health reasons" for her stance. New Mayor Tom Leppert is on the anti-smoking bandwagon, too. Kadane told the News: "The ordinance ought to read that it’s up to a business owner whether to allow smoking. The government shouldn’t have a right to dictate what you do or do not do at your business."
It’s all simply in the discussion stage right now, but if you have an opinion, this is probably the time to let your council rep know — if Levinthal’s count holds up, and assuming the Councilmembers in favor read the story and counted the noses, too — it shouldn’t be long before a new or amended ordinance is brought before the Council.
Want to forward your thoughts? Visit the city’s website and send your council rep an email … tell ’em BackTalk sent you.
