Smoking Changes Possible in College Station
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Smoking Changes Possible in College Station Save Email Print
Posted: 9:38 PM Jan 11, 2009
 Last Updated: 11:15 PM Jan 11, 2009
 Reporter: Steve Fullhart
Email Address: fullhart@kbtx.com
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Soon, College Station's elected leaders will vote on a proposed re-working of the city's smoking ordinance.

Under the proposal, which will be voted on January 22 following a public hearing, smoking would no longer be allowed at College Station bars or within 10 feet of the entrances.

Also, smoking would be banned completely at restaurants as opposed to the current 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. allowance in place now.

You also couldn't smoke at a workplace, or within 20 feet of a public place that's not a bar.

For more information on the proposed ordinance click on the link below. That will take you to the agenda from College Station's last city council meeting. On Page 25 of that document, you'll find the information on the proposed changes, including the ordinance the council will vote on January 22.
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Posted by: bert Location: college station on Jan 21, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I thought I lived in Texas, not California
Posted by: James Location: Bryan on Jan 15, 2009 at 02:44 AM
SMOKING IS NOT A PROBLEM IN C.C!!! I can't remember the last time I even got a whiff of a cigarette here locally. You do-gooders and busy-bodies need to get a life. And the precious "research" you like to site about second hand smoke is AGENDA ORIENTED JUNK SCIENCE. By the way, I don't smoke and never have. I don't even understand the attraction.
Posted by: Reid Location: College Station on Jan 14, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I'm 100% in favor of this passing; going out in cities where smoking bans are in place is much more pleasant. In fact, I hope Bryan follows suit.
Posted by: Brian Location: Bryan on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:50 AM
I think this type of law should be enforced on any NEW business such as a restaurant or bar, not existing ones. I just don't think its right to make current owners change there operations because some people are offended by smoke.....I have been smoke free for 2 years and understand both sides...
Posted by: Tom Location: College Station on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Why is our city goverment wasting time on an issue that in the end affects so few residents when we have major issues with crime and an ineffective police department that effects all of us. We non smokers have the freedom not to go to places where smoking is permitted, our rights are well protected. ARE OUR RIGHTS WELL PROTECTED AGANIST THEFT?????
Posted by: To James Location: BCS on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I completely agree with you. And that's what most people on here don't get. Why should we, who do not smoke and who do not like to be around smoke, be forced to stay away from places where smoking is rampant. Why can't smokers just be considerate people and not force us to be subjected to their brand of poison? That's the main reason I do NOT frequent bars in this town. I would love to go out with my friends and listen to music and have a drink, but I can't stand to be around smoke. So I don't go and there are MANY in this town who feel as I do. Smoke if you want to, but what is so hard about taking a step outside to do so? Why do you smokers feel the need to MAKE us non-smokers inhale something we have no wish to inhale? I would love to give my business locally and not have to travel to Austin to hang out in a smokeless bar. Try to think about it from another point of view. I personally feel gross when I've been in a bar full of smokers. Nasty!!!
Posted by: j.b. Location: bryan on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:51 AM
to me: you made my point exactly...smoking was /is still legal when these businesses were opened,and some of these businesses prospered because of the laws in effect at that time,so to come in and change these laws in midstream without a city-wide vote, based on one particular group opinion is a violation of business owners rights to choose how to legally operate their business. the only reason the council won't put it to a vote is because they know it won't pass in a city-wide election,and people like you will still be whining....and by the way I AM NOT A SMOKER.
Posted by: j.b Location: bryan on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:44 AM
to james: no one is forcing you to go to a bar or anywhere else where smoking is allowed, and as i recall wasn't communism created to "achieve the greatest good for everyone" as you put it? well i think we see how that little idea has worked out.
Posted by: Budro on Jan 13, 2009 at 06:05 AM
First off, if a Bar owner wants to allow smoking is his facility it should be HIS choice. This is a smart business move, as he know many people that enjoy drinking also enjoy a good smoke. If you are a nana-baby out there and don't like it, STAY HOME. No one is shoving packs of cigs in your mouth. Get a life, job, and quit worrying about what others do !
Posted by: david Location: college station on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:19 PM
To JAMES: your post reflects the views of many smoking ban proponents. If you were so concerned about your health, you wouldn't go to a place like fox and hound where you know smoking is allowed. What you are really looking to the local government for is choice without the responsibility of the consequences of that choice. You don't want to be around smoke, but you choose to go to the fox and hound where smoking is allowed instead of going to another sports bar like buffalo wild wings. By the way... I would challenge any smoking ban proponent to name a bar that was smoke free in a town that did not have a smoking ban. I doubt you will find it, and I also doubt any of you would put your money where your mouth is and open a non-smoking bar in a town where your competitors were able to allow smoking. If it was a true money making business plan, bars would already be smoke free.
Posted by: rave Location: Somewhere in Tx. but not here on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Thats right more Government intervention and then the next thing you know, the council members will want to "Ban" something else just to make people feel good. But in all places Bars? They got to be "nuts!" I can see it in Restaurants,stores, and other public places where people gather more power to them but I doubt it's gonna work b/c it will be too hard to enforce the Ban anyway. Besides the Police have enough on their hands anyway.
Posted by: Dawn Location: CS on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:15 PM
You know I disagree with the new rules of not smoking in public places....yes Im a smoker, but quitting... I dont think its right though...like for example I dont drink and I dont having to stay home on weekends due to all the drunk drivers who are out on the roads not knowing it they are going to kill someone or not... smoking and drinking is pretty much the same, they both are capable of killing others and not yourself... I think if their is going to be a ban on smoking, then their should be a ban on drinking too! everyone always talk about smoke addits but what about alcoholics??? their is more of them than smokers... Believe it or not, this isnt a free country anymore... you can get in trouble for anything.... I believe businesses have the right to decide on if there is smoking allowed or not.... I think they already have answered that question...so why should it be changed...oh yeah, this is college station and due to them being picky on everything is ridiculous
Posted by: James Location: College Station on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:22 PM
No one is having their rights infringed upon here. It is a simple fact that breathing cigarette smoke is harmful to your health. If you choose to make the choice to harm your health and accelerate yourself towards a painful death then that is your right. But as far as communal areas of business... I have absolutely no problem with the local government passing an ordinance that protects the health and happiness of those who choose not smoke. Austin has a smoking ban inside of the bars and 6th street is no less active. The reality of this ordinance is that it achieves the greatest good for the most amount of people. Stepping outside to burn a cigarette isn't that big of a deal. In the mean time I can't wait to step foot into the fox and hound without needing to take a shower and powerwash the smoke smell off of me when I get home.
Posted by: Jerry Location: Bryan on Jan 12, 2009 at 04:28 PM
If this is such a one sided issue then let's put it to a city wide vote. I am a non smoker, but I have friends and family who do and to me it should be up to the business. Bar owners restaurants etc. should be able to put a sign up that states is a smoking establishment and then let the consumer make the choice.
Posted by: Ethan Location: C.S. on Jan 12, 2009 at 04:24 PM
To Loser Police and Me; First of all I don't smoke or drink, I don't go to the bars or clubs and I'm not leaving town. I've lived hear all of my 61 years, you will probably leave within the next 2 years if you graduate. I learned a long time ago that a person you'll age doesn't understand something by the time they are 21 they never get it. You probably like mexican food but I find the smell of people passing gas offensive so the city council ought to ban mexican food God knows the dangers of mexican food on peoples health is just as bad as smoking, according to the experts more people die from heart problems caused by greasy foods than cancer of all kinds. Oh and by the way did I tell you all I don't like the smell of smoke either,[that is why I don't go to the bars and clubs and I'm richer for it] but it should be the right of the owners not you'rs as to what you can do in their businesses.
Posted by: NON-SMOKER Location: College Station on Jan 12, 2009 at 04:05 PM
From NON-SMOKER to non-somker. Smokers have no right to make you smell it, just don't go to the private property where there is smoking. My goodness the nanny state is expanding once more...is there nothing that is private or is everything a right granted by the State?
Posted by: Bekah Location: CS on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:09 PM
I am a nonsmoker, but I recognize that I have no right to tell a business to be smoke free. To me this isn't really about smoking. The foundation of the issue is about government at any level telling you what you can and can't do on your private property. Its sad to me that so many people think its ok to do that as long as its happening to the other guy. What if the tables turn and the government says you can't use something in your home? We have to stop acting like others' rights are less important than our own. That's tough when its inconvenient to us. Since there seems to be such a demand for a smoke free bar, someone pls open one. It will have a monopoly and will do well without harming other businesses.
Posted by: non-smoker on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:22 PM
To all those that are for the smoking ban, you had better watch what you wish for. This isn't about smoking or non smoking, this is about the government slowly chipping away at our freedoms. The next ban could very well be on something you enjoy.
Posted by: Tony Location: College Station on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:03 PM
there sure are a lot of posts about peoples rights to smoke. I guess y'all have forgoten about the other peoples rights to not smoke. why do we have to smell it. b/c you have a right to do something does not mean you have the right to infringe on my right not to smoke. and you should not have the right to make me walk through an area that you want to smoke so that i can go to a place that which i would like to do buisness with.
Posted by: realist on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:57 AM
what are the smokers addicted to anyway? nicotine. so if they want their nicotine so badly, let them start dipping or chewing tobacco. they can have their nicotine fix and not smell up the joint!!!!!
Posted by: LW Location: Bryan on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:42 AM
We are not paying ATTENTION, the BIG Brother is slowly going after everything that HE thinks is important, No consideration about other's preferences. Today the smokers, tomorrow the alcohol consumers. IF there are really a large group of NON-SMOKING bar patrons, they will be getting a NON-SMOKING establishment to frequent. Demand and Supply rules the economy, not BIG BROTHER.
Posted by: n.b. Location: College Station on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:39 AM
What about the rights of non-smokers. We go to bars too. I am sick of walking into a bar and leaving smelling like an ash tray. And, I'm sick of getting burned by inconsiderate smokers who are not paying attention to where they are waving their cigs. I get that this is a free country, but there is no way to please everyone. If someone wants to smoke, go outside and away from people, so that we have the right to breathe fresha air.
Posted by: Me Location: Here on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:30 AM
JB - Business owners have to abide by the laws of the city in which they operate. You don't like it, move your business out of the city limits. They allow you to operate so they can tell you how to operate. Ethan: Not everybody that goes to a bar smokes, there are also people there that are not drinking. Where does it say that in order for you to drink you must also smoke? The right to smoke is not covered by the constitution. Since cigarette smoke does not occur naturally, it is not present in fresh air and is therefore a pollutant. The rights of those who wish for no air pollutants far outweights those who wish to pollute. Smoking has been directly linked to numerous types of cancer. I wish the governtment and insurance agencies would not pay for cancer treatments for smokers. If you choose to put your life at risk, why should they foot the bill when you get cancer from your disgusting habit? How can you argue otherwise, it even says on the packages they are deadly!!!!
Posted by: Loser Police on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I also hear a sound. It's the sound of Ethan and his smelly smoker buddies moving out of College Station. Bye!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Public places are government buildings paid for by tax payers. Restaurants, bars, and stores are private property-their owners CHOOSE to allow others to enter. Only the private property owner has the right to decide what happens on his property. I am amazed at how ignorant people are to think a bar is a "public place." If you want communism, where the government owns all the businesses so you can tell the business what to do, you're in the wrong country (at least for now). Wake up people. Regulation gives you warm fuzzy feelings until it screws you. Don't be selfish. Think about how this regulation is screwing private business owners. I don't smoke, but I also know I don't have the right to tell a business owner how to run his business.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Oh grow up I have sat by some non smokers who's breath was worst than smelling an ashtray!
Posted by: j.b. Location: bryan on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:06 AM
can someone explain to me where business owners rights have gone? i'm sorry but if i spend my time and money establishing my own business the city/government has no right telling me how to run it!!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: college station on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:52 AM
The last time I checked, this was a free country. It seems to me that every time I turn around we are being "banned" from doing this or that. I understand non-smokers not wanting to be around second hand smoke, but we are talking about bars. I sure hope that children aren't in bars. Restaurants already have the ban, so what is the real problem here? Most of the places in BCS that allow smoking are bars, and most of the people in the bars are smoking. I just don't understand why this is such a big deal.
Posted by: Ethan Location: C.S.. on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:16 AM
I hear a sound, a sound I hoped to never hear again. It's the sound of taps off in the distance, it's playing for the loss of our freedom, we are are no longer the land of the brave and home of the free. When a local government can tell business owners what they can and can't do, we are no longer a free society.
Posted by: To Ro on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:00 AM
"I am all for this ordinance to pass.Smoking is one of the nastiest habits and I don't want to smell like an ashtray.Why should my clothes and hair smell like smoke?Secondhand smoke is proven to be worse.I don't want to be around it and I surely don't want children to breathe it." To express the feelings of Hindu/Islam/Judaism/ "I am all for this ordinance to pass. Pork is one of the nastiest meats and I don't want to smell like bacon. Why should my clothes and hair smell like ham? ALL MEAT is proven to be bacteria ridden .I don't want to be around it and I surely don't want children to breathe it. (Therefore it should be banned EVERYWHERE, even in places where children have no business being.)"
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:51 AM
"can't the ordinances be revised so that there are some facilities, even restaurants, that accept smokers and are well-advertised so that non-smokers can avoid them if they want to?" That is what we DO have now... Currently the OWNER of the establishment can designate it to be smoking or nonsmoking. But no bar owner in his right mind opts to be nonsmoking because 5 customers a night are not enough to support the place. But those 5 customers want to be able to go EVERYWHERE without smelling smoke, so they are going to force ALL the bar owners to make the other 995 customers unhappy to accodate them. The bar owners won't lose much money because most the other customers WILL go to a nonsmoking bar if it's the only game in town, but the staff will because the customers just won't be happy about it, so figure on a lot less in the tip jar...
Posted by: oldsalty Location: bcs on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:45 AM
Why do people smoke anyway? I just dont get it.
Posted by: Edward Location: CS on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:02 AM
In favor of Smoking Ban
Posted by: viewer Location: bryan on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:15 AM
some people smoke and some don't, but all deserve to be able to go out and enjoy patronage of the many fine establishments in the brazos valley...i fully understand non-smokers not wanting to be exposed to smoke...i also understand that to a smoker, not being able to smoke comfortably, indoors and out of the elements, is a major inconvenience, and detracts from the enjoyment of an evening on the town...in many cases, smokers, who don't feel welcome anywhere anymore, avoid going places in the twin cities...can't the ordinances be revised so that there are some facilities, even restaurants, that accept smokers and are well-advertised so that non-smokers can avoid them if they want to?...i guarantee that such havens would be crowded to capacity all the time
Posted by: Charles Location: College Station on Jan 11, 2009 at 11:36 PM
The 20 foot prohibition from the door was too close. I should be at least 50 foot from the door. It is a real pain to have to walk through a smoke fog to get into a place to eat. In fact, I usually go to some other place when I see people smoking near the entrance.
Posted by: ro Location: cs on Jan 11, 2009 at 11:11 PM
I am all for this ordinance to pass.Smoking is one of the nastiest habits and I don't want to smell like an ashtray.Why should my clothes and hair smell like smoke?Secondhand smoke is proven to be worse.I don't want to be around it and I surely don't want children to breathe it.
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