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Updated: Tuesday, Jul. 7, 1998 at 22:42 CDT
Keller advances bleachers smoking ban
By Dave Nelson
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
KELLER -- Bleachers at city parks are expected to be off-limits for anyone holding a lighted cigarette.
The City Council voted unanimously last night to approve the smoking ban. But people would still be able to puff away in other park areas, according to the proposal scheduled for a final council vote in two weeks.
Violators could face misdemeanor charges and $1,000 fines.
The move represents a middle- of-the-road approach in an area where cities are cracking down on outdoor smoking.
Keller Parks and Recreation Board recommended that approach to avoid infringing on smokers' rights. The idea is to protect nonsmokers at outdoor environments, where they have the greatest risk of breathing secondhand smoke, members said.
"The bleachers basically put people in a confined area. If they're not in the bleachers, people can move away or the smoker can move away if the smoke is bothersome," said Dona Roth Kinney, Parks and Recreation Department director.
Irving and Southlake also have outlawed smoking in bleachers. North Richland Hills does not allow tobacco in its parks, except in paved parking areas. Bellaire, a suburb of Houston, bans smoking in all public parks.
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