Title
Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 14, Article IX, Code of Ordinances (2010 Edition), to remove "bars" and "designated smoking bars" from the list of public places that are exempt from the smoking/vaping prohibitions. (First Reading)(Requires Two Readings)
Body
Historical Timeline of Round Rock’s Smoking Ordinance
• On July 8, 1993, the City Council adopted an ordinance that amended Section 6.400 of Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances (1990 edition) to regulate the smoking of tobacco products in public places.
• On November 26, 2002, the City Council adopted an ordinance that amended Section 6.400 of Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances (1990 edition), providing definitions, establishing certain smoking restrictions in public places, and providing for a repealing clause, a severability clause, and a penalty clause.
• On September 8, 2016, the City Council further imposed more stringent prohibitions of smoking in public places by adopting an ordinance that amended Chapter 14, Article IX of the Code of Ordinances (2010 edition) to prohibit vaping in public places, which went into effect beginning January 1, 2017.
Round Rock’s Current Smoking Ordinance
The City of Round Rock’s current smoking ordinance is fairly comprehensive compared to surrounding cities such as Cedar Park, Hutto, and Pflugerville. Round Rock prohibits smoking and/or vaping in enclosed, indoor public places, places of employment, and city buildings and city facilities as well as outside within five feet of any entrance or open window. However, Round Rock’s smoking ordinance permits smoking and vaping exemptions, rendering smoking and vaping lawful in the following places:
• Retail tobacco and retail vaping stores
• Smoking and/or vaping as a part of a theatrical production
• Bars, pursuant to complying with section 14-244, in a designated smoking/vaping bar*
• Separate patient care and/or sleeping quarters of health care facilities and convalescence facilities
• Hotel and lodging rooms
• Open outdoor concourse of a sports arena
• Nonprofit private clubs
*Designated smoking/vaping bars are required to have an exhaust and/or air purification system.
**Round Rock requires the owner, the operator, the manager, or another person with control of an area, building, or place to post conspicuous signs where smoking is prohibited.