HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 6533: PORT ARTHUR SMOKE FREE AIR ORDINANCE interoffice
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor, City Council, and City Manager
From: Councilwoman Tiffany Hamilton, Mayor Pro-Tem Kaprina Frank, and
Councilwoman Charlotte Moses
Date: April 1, 2016
Subject: P. O. No. 6533 –Port Arthur Smoke-free Air Ordinance
The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General's Report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to
Tobacco Smoke, has concluded that (1) secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death
in children and adults who do not smoke; (2) children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased
risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory problems, ear infections, and asthma
attacks, and that smoking by parents causes respiratory symptoms and slows lung growth in their
children; (3) exposure of adults to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the
cardiovascular system and causes coronary heart disease and lung cancer; (4) there is no risk-free level
of exposure to secondhand smoke; (5) establishing smoke-free workplaces is the only effective way to
ensure that secondhand smoke exposure does not occur in the workplace, because ventilation and other
air cleaning technologies cannot completely control for exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke;
and (6) evidence from peer-reviewed studies shows that smoke-free policies and laws do not have an
adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry.' According to the 2010 U.S. Surgeon General's
Report, How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease, even occasional exposure to secondhand smoke is
harmful and low levels of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke lead to a rapid and sharp increase in
dysfunction and inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels, which are implicated in heart attacks
and stroke." According to the 2014 U.S. Surgeon General's Report, The Health Consequences of
Smoking-50 Years of Progress, secondhand smoke exposure causes stroke in nonsmokers. The report
also found that since the 1964 Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health, 2.5 million
nonsmokers have died from diseases caused by tobacco smoke."'
Numerous studies have found that tobacco smoke is a major contributor to indoor air pollution, and that
breathing secondhand smoke (also known as environmental tobacco smoke) is a cause of disease in
healthy nonsmokers, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and lung cancer. The National
Cancer Institute determined in 1999 that secondhand smoke is responsible for the early deaths of
approximately 53,000 Americans annually.'"
The Public Health Service's National Toxicology Program (NTP) has listed secondhand smoke as a
known carcinogen."
Based on a finding by the California Environmental Protection Agency in 2005, the California Air
Resources Board has determined that secondhand smoke is a toxic air contaminant, finding that
exposure to secondhand smoke has serious health effects, including low birth-weight babies; sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS); increased respiratory infections in children; asthma in children and
adults; lung cancer, sinus cancer, and breast cancer in younger, premenopausal women; heart disease;
and death."'
There is indisputable evidence that implementing 100% smoke-free environments is the only effective
way to protect the population from the harmful effects of exposure to secondhand smoke.""
In reviewing 11 studies concluding that communities see an immediate reduction in heart attack
admissions after the implementation of comprehensive smoke-free laws, the Institute of Medicine of the
National Academies concluded that data consistently demonstrate that secondhand smoke exposure
increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks and that smoke-free laws reduce heart
attacks.""'
A significant amount of secondhand smoke exposure occurs in the workplace. Employees who work in
smoke-filled businesses suffer a 25-50% higher risk of heart attack and higher rates of death from
cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as increased acute respiratory disease and measurable
decrease in lung function."`
Studies measuring cotinine (metabolized nicotine) and NNAL (metabolized
nitrosamine NNK, a tobacco-specific carcinogen linked to lung cancer) in hospitality
workers find dramatic reductions in the levels of these biomarkers after a smoke-free law
takes effect. Average cotinine levels of New York City restaurant and bar workers
decreased by 85% after the city's smoke-free law went into effect." After the
implementation of Ontario, Canada's smoke-free Indoor Air Law, levels of NNAL were
reduced by 52% in nonsmoking casino employees and cotinine levels fell by 98%."'
Smoke-free indoor air laws result in a significant reduction in fine particulate
matter and improved air quality. A Grand Rapids, Michigan study that monitored six
restaurants before and after implementation of the state's smoke-free air law found that
PM2.5 fine particulate matter was reduced by 92 percent after the law went into effect,
indicating that the vast majority of indoor air pollution in all six venues was due to
secondhand smoke. The results in Grand Rapids were consistent with results in
Wilmington, Delaware; Boston, Massachusetts; and Western New York.""
Following a Health Hazard Evaluation of Las Vegas casino employees' secondhand smoke exposure in
the workplace, which included indoor air quality tests and biomarker assessments, the National Institute
of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) concluded that the casino employees are exposed to
dangerous levels of secondhand smoke at work and that their bodies absorb high levels of tobacco-
specific chemicals NNK and cotinine during work shifts. NIOSH also concluded that the "best means of
eliminating workplace exposure to [secondhand smoke] is to ban all smoking in the casinos."'" A
subsequent study in Nevada, whose Clean Indoor Air Act permits smoking in designated areas of
casinos, bars, and taverns, indicates that strong 100% smoke-free laws are the only effective way to
protect indoor air quality. The study sampled the air quality in 15 casino gaming areas and
corresponding nonsmoking areas, and the results indicated that the Clean Indoor Air Act failed to protect
air quality in the nonsmoking areas, including children-friendly areas.'"
Secondhand smoke is particularly hazardous to elderly people, individuals with
cardiovascular disease, and individuals with impaired respiratory function, including
asthmatics and those with obstructive airway disease." The Americans With Disabilities
Act, which requires that disabled persons have access to public places and workplaces,
deems impaired respiratory function to be a disability."'
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that the risk
of acute myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease associated with exposure to
tobacco smoke is non-linear at low doses, increasing rapidly with relatively small doses
such as those received from secondhand smoke or actively smoking one or two cigarettes
a day, and has warned that all patients at increased risk of coronary heart disease or with
known coronary artery disease should avoid all indoor environments that permit
smoking.'"
Given the fact that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, the
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
bases its ventilation standards on totally smoke-free environments. ASHRAE has
determined that there is currently no air filtration or other ventilation technology that can
completely eliminate all the carcinogenic components in secondhand smoke and the
health risks caused by secondhand smoke exposure, and recommends that indoor
environments be smoke-free in their entirety.X""'
During periods of active smoking, peak and average outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) levels measured in
outdoor cafes and restaurant and bar patios near smokers' rival indoor tobacco smoke concentrations." `
Nonsmokers who spend six-hour periods in outdoor smoking sections of bars and restaurants experience
a significant increase in levels of cotinine when compared to the cotinine levels in a smoke-free outdoor
area.""
Residual tobacco contamination, or "third-hand smoke," from cigarettes, cigars,
and other tobacco products is left behind after smoking occurs and builds up on surfaces
and furnishings. This residue can linger in spaces long after smoking has ceased and
continue to expose people to tobacco toxins. Sticky, highly toxic particulate matter,
including nicotine, can cling to walls and ceilings. Gases can be absorbed into carpets,
draperies, and other upholsteries, and then be reemitted (off-gassed) back into the air and
recombine to form harmful compounds.' Tobacco residue is noticeably present in dust
throughout places where smoking has occurred.'" Given the rapid sorption and
persistence of high levels of residual nicotine from tobacco smoke on indoor surfaces,
including clothing and human skin, this recently identified process represents an
unappreciated health hazard through dermal exposure, dust inhalation, and ingestion."iii
The dangers of residual tobacco contamination are present in hotels, even in nonsmoking
rooms. Compared with hotels that are completely smoke-free, surface nicotine and air
3EP are elevated in nonsmoking and smoking rooms of hotels that allow smoking. Air
nicotine levels in smoking rooms are significantly higher than those in nonsmoking
rooms of hotels that do and do not completely prohibit smoking. Hallway surfaces
outside of smoking rooms also show higher levels of nicotine than those outside of
nonsmoking rooms. Partial smoking restrictions in hotels do not protect non-smoking
guests from exposure to tobacco smoke and tobacco-specific carcinogens.' "
Unregulated high-tech smoking devices, commonly referred to as electronic
cigarettes, or "e-cigarettes," closely resemble and purposefully mimic the act of smoking
by having users inhale vaporized liquid nicotine created by heat through an electronic
ignition system. After testing a number of electronic cigarettes from two leading
manufacturers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that various
samples tested contained not only nicotine but also detectable levels of known
carcinogens and toxic chemicals, including tobacco-specific nitrosamines and diethylene
glycol, a toxic chemical used in antifreeze. The FDA's testing also suggested that
"quality control processes used to manufacture these products are inconsistent or non-
existent.' According to a more recent study, electronic cigarette emissions are made up
of a high concentration of ultrafine particles, and the particle concentration is higher than
in conventional tobacco cigarette smoke."' Electronic cigarettes produce an aerosol or
vapor of undetermined and potentially harmful substances, which may appear similar to
the smoke emitted by traditional tobacco products. Their use in workplaces and public
places where smoking of traditional tobacco products is prohibited creates concern and
confusion and leads to difficulties in enforcing the smoking prohibitions.
The Society of Actuaries has determined that secondhand smoke costs the U.S.
economy roughly $10 billion a year: $5 billion in estimated medical costs associated with
secondhand smoke exposure and$4.6 billion in lost productivity.""°"
Numerous economic analyses examining restaurant and hotel receipts and
controlling for economic variables have shown either no difference or a positive
economic impact after enactment of laws requiring workplaces to be smoke-free.
Creation of smoke-free workplaces is sound economic policy and provides the maximum
level of employee health and safety.'ili
There is no legal or constitutional "right to smoke.""" Business owners have no
legal or constitutional right to expose their employees and customers to the toxic
chemicals in secondhand smoke. On the contrary, employers have a common law duty to
provide their workers with a workplace that is not unreasonably dangerous.'
Smoking is a potential cause of fires; cigarette and cigar burns and ash stains on
merchandise and fixtures causes economic damage to businesses.""
The smoking of tobacco, hookahs, or marijuana and the use of electronic cigarettes are forms of air
pollution and constitute both a danger to health and a material public nuisance.
Accordingly, the Port Arthur City Council finds and declares that the purposes of
this ordinance are (1) to protect the public health and welfare by prohibiting smoking in
public places and places of employment; and (2) to guarantee the right of nonsmokers to
breathe smoke-free air, and to recognize that the need to breathe smoke-free air shall
have priority over the desire to smoke.
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke:A
Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2006.
" U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for
Smoking-Attributable Disease: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2010.
i° U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking-50 Years of Progress. U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion,Office on Smoking and Health, 2014.
'" National Cancer Institute (NCI), "Health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke:the report of the California
Environmental Protection Agency. Smoking and Tobacco Control Monograph 10," Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of
Health, National Cancer Institute(NCI),August 1999.
" Environmental Health Information Service (EHIS), "Environmental tobacco smoke: first listed in the Ninth Report on
Carcinogens," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Public Health Service, NTP, 2000; reaffirmed by the
NTP in subsequent reports on carcinogens, 2003, 2005.
VI California Air Resources Board (ARB), "Appendix II Findings of the Scientific Review Panel: Findings of the Scientific Review
Panel on Proposed Identification of Environmental Tobacco Smoke as a Toxic Air Contaminant as adopted at the Panel's
June 24, 2005 Meeting," California Air Resources Board(ARB),September 12, 2005.
v" World Health Organization (WHO), "Protection from exposure to secondhand smoke: policy recommendations," World
Health Organization (WHO), 2007.
vI" Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice,
Committee on Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Acute Coronary Events, "Secondhand smoke exposure and cardiovascular
effects:making sense of the evidence," Washington, DC:National Academies Press, October 2009.
" Pitsavos, C.; Panagiotakos, D.B.; Chrysohoou, C.; Skoumas, J.; Tzioumis, K.; Stefanadis, C.; Toutouzas, P., "Association
between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and the development of acute coronary syndromes: the CARDIO2000
case-control study," Tobacco Control 11(3):220-225, September 2002.
x [n.a.], "The State of Smoke-Free New York City: A One Year Review," New York City Department of Finance, New York City
Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, New York City Department of Small Business Services, New York City Economic
Development Corporation, March 2004
XI Geoffrey T. Fong, et. al., "The Impact of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act on Air Quality and Biomarkers of Exposure in Casinos:
A Quasi-Experimental Study," Ontario Tobacco Control Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario, December 2, 2006.
X" Repace, J.L., "Air quality in Grand Rapids restaurant bars: before and after Michigan's Dr. Ron Davis State Smoke-free
Law," Lansing, Ml:Michigan Department of Community Health, Tobacco Section,June 16, 2011.
XI" Health hazard evaluation report: environmental and biological assessment of environmental tobacco smoke exposure
among casino dealers, Las Vegas, NV. By Achutan C, West C, Mueller C, Boudreau Y, Mead K. Cincinnati, OH: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, NIOSH HETA No. 2005-0076 and 2005-0201-3080, May 2009.
x'"Cochran, C.; Henriques, D.;York, N.; Lee, K., "Risk of exposure to second hand smoke for adolescents in Las Vegas casinos:
an evaluation of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act,"Journal of Health and Human Services Administration 35(2):231-252, Fall
2012.
XV
California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA), "Health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke",
Tobacco Control 6(4):346-353, Winter, 1997.
Daynard, R.A., "Environmental tobacco smoke and the Americans with Disabilities Act," Nonsmokers'Voice 5(1):
8-9.
xv" Pechacek, Terry F.; Babb, Stephen, "Commentary: How acute and reversible are the
cardiovascular risks of secondhand smoke?" British Medical Journal 328:980-983,April 24, 2004.
xv"i Samet, J.; Bohanon,Jr., H.R.; Coultas, D.B.; Houston, T.P.; Persily, A.K.; Schoen, L.J.; Spengler,
J.; Callaway, C.A., "ASHRAE position document on environmental tobacco smoke," American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE), 2005.
xxx Klepeis, N.;Ott,W.R.;Switzer, P., "Real-time measurement of outdoor tobacco smoke particles,"Journal of the Air&
Waste Management Association 57:522-534, 2007.
xx Hall,J.C.; Bernert,J.T.; Hall, D.B.; St Helen,G.; Kudon, L.H.; Naeher, L.P., "Assessment of exposure to secondhand
smoke at outdoor bars and family restaurants in Athens,Georgia, using salivary cotinine,"Journal of Occupational and
Environmental Hygiene 6(11):698-704, November 2009.
xx'Singer, B.C.; Hodgson,A.T.; Nazaroff,W.W., "Effect of sorption on exposures to organic gases from environmental
tobacco smoke(ETS),"Proceedings:Indoor Air 2002, 2002.
xx" Matt, G.E.;Quintana, P.J.E.; Hovell, M.F.; Bernert,J.T.;Song, S.; Novianti, N.;Juarez,T.; Floro,J.; Gehrman,C.;Garcia, M.;
Larson,S., "Households contaminated by environmental tobacco smoke:sources of infant exposures," Tobacco Control
13(1):29-37, March 2004.
xxl"Sleiman, M.; Gundel, L.A.; Pankow,J.F.;Jacob III, P.;Singer, B.C.; Destaillats, H., "Formation of carcinogens indoors by
surface-mediated reactions of nicotine with nitrous acid, leading to potential thirdhand smoke hazards,"Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS)107(15):6576-6581, February 8, 2010.
my Matt, G.E.; Quintana, P.J.E.; Fortmann, A.L.; Zakarian,J.M.; Galaviz, V.E.; Chatfield, D.A.; Hoh,
E.; Hovell, M.F.;Winston, C., "Thirdhand smoke and exposure in California hotels: non-smoking rooms fail
to protect non-smoking hotel guests from tobacco smoke exposure," Tobacco Control [Epub ahead of
print], May 13, 2013.
xxv[n.a.], "Summary of results: laboratory analysis of electronic cigarettes conducted by FDA,"Food and Drug Administration
(FDA),July 22, 2009; http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm173146.htm Accessed on:October 22, 2009.
xx"i Fuoco, F.C.; Buonanno,G.;Stabile, L.;Vigo, P., "Influential parameters on particle concentration and size distribution in
the mainstream of e-cigarettes," Environmental Pollution 184:523-529,January 2014.
xxv" Behan, D.F.; Eriksen, M.P.; Lin, Y., "Economic Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke,"
Society of Actuaries, March 31, 2005.
xxv" Glantz, S.A. & Smith, L., "The effect of ordinances requiring smokefree restaurants on
restaurant sales in the United States."American Journal of Public Health, 87:1687-1693, 1997; Colman, R.;
Urbonas, C.M., "The economic impact of smoke-free workplaces: an assessment for Nova Scotia,
prepared for Tobacco Control Unit, Nova Scotia Department of Health,"GPI Atlantic, September 2001.
xxix Graff,S.K., "There is No Constitutional Right to Smoke:2008,"Tobacco Control Legal Consortium, 2d edition, 2008.
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P.O. No. 6533
04/01/16 vrt/gt
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 39 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES REGULATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES;
CREATING OFFENSES; PROVIDING PENALTIES AND
SEVERABILITY (REQUESTED BY COUNCILMEMBER HAMILTON,
MAYOR PRO TEM FRANK, AND COUNCILMEMBER MOSES)
WHEREAS, the City Council does hereby find that it is in the best health interest to all
that live, work, and play within the City of Port Arthur to prohibit smoking in all public places
and indoor workplaces; and,
WHEREAS, the purposes of this ordinance are (1) to protect the public health and
welfare by prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment; and (2) to guarantee
the right of nonsmokers to breathe smoke-free air, and to recognize that the need to breathe
smoke-free air shall have priority over the desire to smoke.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2. That a new Chapter 39 be enacted to read as delineated in Exhibit"A".
Section 3. That pursuant to Section 52.013 of the Texas Local Government Code,
this Ordinance which carries a penalty is required to be published at least twice in the official
newspaper of the City of Port Arthur.
Section 4. That this ordinance shall be effective immediately after the date of
publication.
s.po6533
Section 5. That all ordinances, resolutions, or parts thereof, that are in conflict or
inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such
conflict, and the provision of this Ordinance shall be and remain controlling as to the matters
regulated, herein.
Section 6. That should any of the clauses, sentences, paragraphs, sections or parts of
this Ordinance be deemed invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of law or
administrative agency with jurisdiction over the matter, such action shall not be construed to
affect any other valid portion of this Ordinance.
Section 7. That the City Secretary is hereby directed to record and publish the
attached rules, regulations, and policies in the City's Code of Ordinances as authorized by
Section 52.001 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Section 8. That a copy of this Ordinance be spread upon the Minutes of the City
Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of A.D., 2016,
at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following
vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
•
NOES:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Winder review subject to Public Hearing on April 6, 2016)
City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
City Manager
EXHIBIT "A"
Sec. 1. Definitions
The following words and phrases, whenever used in this Article, shall be construed as defined in this Section:
A. "Bar" means an establishment that is devoted to the serving of alcoholic beverages for consumption by guests
on the premises and in which the serving of food is only incidental to the consumption of those beverages,
including but not limited to,taverns, nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and cabarets.
B. "Business" means a sole proprietorship, partnership,joint venture, corporation, or other business entity, either
for-profit or not-for-profit, including retail establishments where goods or services are sold; professional
corporations and other entities where legal, medical, dental, engineering, architectural, or other professional
services are delivered; and private clubs.
C. "Electronic Smoking Device" means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance
intended for human consumption that can be used by a person to simulate smoking through inhalation of vapor
or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed,
or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.
D. "Employee" means a person who is employed by an employer in consideration for direct or indirect monetary
wages or profit, and a person who volunteers his or her services for a non-profit entity.
E. "Employer" means a person, business, partnership, association, corporation, including a municipal corporation,
trust, or non-profit entity that employs the services of one or more individual persons.
F. `Enclosed Area" means all space between a floor and a ceiling that is bounded on at least two sides by walls,
doorways, or windows, whether open or closed. A wall includes any retractable divider, garage door, or other
physical barrier,whether temporary or permanent and whether or not containing openings of any kind.
G. "Health Care Facility" means an office or institution providing care or treatment of diseases, whether physical,
mental, or emotional, or other medical, physiological, or psychological conditions, including but not limited to,
hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals or other clinics, including weight control clinics, nursing homes, long-term
care facilities, homes for the aging or chronically ill, laboratories, and offices of surgeons, chiropractors,
physical therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, and all specialists within these professions. This
definition shall include all waiting rooms, hallways, private rooms, semiprivate rooms, and wards within health
care facilities.
H. "Hookah" means a water pipe and any associated products and devices which are used to produce fumes,
smoke, and/or vapor from the burning of material including, but not limited to, tobacco, shisha, or other plant
matter.
I. "Place of Employment" means an area under the control of a public or private employer, including, but not
limited to, work areas, private offices, employee lounges, restrooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms,
classrooms, employee cafeterias, hallways, construction sites, temporary offices, and vehicles. A private
residence is not a"place of employment" unless it is used as a child care, adult day care, or health care facility.
J. "Playground"means any park or recreational area designed in part to be used by children that has play or sports
equipment installed or that has been designated or landscaped for play or sports activities, or any similar facility
located on public or private school grounds or on City of Port Arthur grounds.
K. "Private Club" means an organization, whether incorporated or not, which is the owner, lessee, or occupant of a
building or portion thereof used exclusively for club purposes at all times, which is operated solely for a
recreational, fraternal, social, patriotic, political, benevolent, or athletic purpose, but not for pecuniary gain, and
which only sells alcoholic beverages incidental to its operation. The affairs and management of the organization
are conducted by a board of directors, executive committee, or similar body chosen by the members at an
annual meeting. The organization has established bylaws and/or a constitution to govern its activities. The
organization has been granted an exemption from the payment of federal income tax as a club under 26 U.S.C.
Section 501.
L. "Public Event" means an event which is open to and may be attended by the general public, including but not
limited to, such events as concerts, fairs, farmers' markets, festivals, parades, performances, and other
exhibitions, regardless of any fee or age requirement.
M. "Public Place" means an area to which the public is invited or in which the public is permitted, including but
not limited to, banks, bars, educational facilities, gambling facilities, health care facilities, hotels and motels,
laundromats, parking structures, public transportation vehicles and facilities, reception areas, restaurants, retail
food production and marketing establishments, retail service establishments, retail stores, shopping malls, sports
arenas, theaters, and waiting rooms. A private residence is not a "public place" unless it is used as a child care,
adult day care, or health care facility.
N. "Recreational Area" means any public or private area open to the public for recreational purposes, whether or
not any fee for admission is charged, including but not limited to, amusement parks, athletic fields, beaches,
fairgrounds, gardens, golf courses,parks,plazas, skate parks, swimming pools,trails, and zoos.
0. "Restaurant" means an eating establishment, including but not limited to, coffee shops, cafeterias, sandwich
stands, and private and public school cafeterias, which gives or offers for sale food to the public, guests, or
employees, as well as kitchens and catering facilities in which food is prepared on the premises for serving
elsewhere. The term"restaurant" shall include a bar area within the restaurant.
P. "Service Line" means an indoor or outdoor line in which one (1) or more persons are waiting for or receiving
service of any kind, whether or not the service involves the exchange of money, including but not limited to,
ATM lines, concert lines, food vendor lines, movie ticket lines, and sporting event lines.
Q. "Shopping Mall" means an enclosed or unenclosed public walkway or hall area that serves to connect retail or
professional establishments.
R. "Smoking" means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, or pipe, or any
other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including hookahs and marijuana,
whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. "Smoking" also includes the use of an electronic
smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking
device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this Article.
S. "Sports Arena" means a place where people assemble to engage in physical exercise, participate in athletic
competition, or witness sports or other events, including sports pavilions, stadiums, gymnasiums, health spas,
boxing arenas, swimming pools, roller and ice rinks, and bowling alleys.
Sec. 2. Application of Article to City-Owned Facilities and Property
All enclosed areas, including buildings and vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the City of
Port Arthur, as well as all outdoor property adjacent to such buildings and under the control of the City
of Port Arthur, shall be subject to the provisions of this Article.
Sec. 3. Prohibition of Smoking in Enclosed Public Places
Smoking shall be prohibited in all enclosed public places within the City of Port Arthur,
including but not limited to, the following places:
A. Aquariums, galleries, libraries, and museums.
B. Areas available to the general public in businesses and non-profit entities patronized by the public, including
but not limited to, banks, laundromats, professional offices, and retail service establishments.
C. Bars.
D. Bingo facilities.
E. Child care and adult day care facilities.
F. Convention facilities.
G. Educational facilities, both public and private.
H. Elevators.
I. Gambling facilities.
J. Health care facilities.
K. Hotels and motels.
L. Lobbies, hallways, and other common areas in apartment buildings, condominiums, trailer parks, retirement
facilities, nursing homes, and other multiple-unit residential facilities.
M. Parking structures.
N. Polling places.
O. Public transportation vehicles, including buses and taxicabs, under the authority of the City of Port Arthur, and
ticket, boarding, and waiting areas of public transportation facilities,including bus, train, and airport facilities.
P. Restaurants.
Q. Restrooms, lobbies, reception areas, hallways, and other common-use areas.
R. Retail stores.
S. Rooms, chambers, places of meeting or public assembly, including school buildings, under the control of an
agency, board, commission, committee or council of the City of Port Arthur or a political subdivision of the
State, to the extent the place is subject to the jurisdiction of the City of Port Arthur.
T. Service lines.
U. Shopping malls.
V. Sports arenas, including enclosed places in outdoor arenas.
W. Theaters and other facilities primarily used for exhibiting motion pictures, stage dramas, lectures, musical
recitals, or other similar performances.
Sec. 4. Prohibition of Smoking in Enclosed Places of Employment
A. Smoking shall be prohibited in all enclosed areas of places of employment without exception. This includes,
without limitation, common work areas, auditoriums, classrooms, conference and meeting rooms, private
offices, elevators, hallways, medical facilities, cafeterias, employee lounges, stairs, restrooms, vehicles, and all
other enclosed facilities.
B. This prohibition on smoking shall be communicated to all existing employees by the effective date of this
Article and to all prospective employees upon their application for employment.
Sec. 5. Prohibition of Smoking in Private Clubs
Smoking shall be prohibited in all private clubs.
Sec. 6. Prohibition of Smoking in Enclosed Residential Facilities
Smoking shall be prohibited in the following enclosed residential facilities:
A. All private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes.
B. All hotel and motel guest rooms.
Sec. 7. Prohibition of Smoking in Outdoor Public Places
Smoking shall be prohibited in the following outdoor places:
A. Within a reasonable distance of twenty-five (25) feet outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation
systems of enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited, so as to prevent tobacco smoke from entering those
areas.
B. In, and within fifteen (15) feet of, outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed
areas where smoking is prohibited leading to outdoor seating or serving areas of restaurants and bars.
C. In outdoor shopping malls, including parking structures.
D. In all outdoor arenas, stadiums, and amphitheaters. Smoking shall also be prohibited in, and within twenty-five
(25) feet of, bleachers and grandstands for use by spectators at sporting and other public events.
E. In outdoor recreational areas, including parking lots.
F. In, and within twenty-five (25) feet of, all outdoor playgrounds.
G. In, and within twenty-five (25)feet of, all outdoor public events.
H. In, and within twenty-five (25) feet of, all outdoor public transportation stations, platforms, and shelters under
the authority of the City of Port Arthur.
I. In all outdoor service lines, including lines in which service is obtained by persons in vehicles, such as service
that is provided by bank tellers, parking lot attendants, and toll takers. In lines in which service is obtained by
persons in vehicles, smoking is prohibited by both pedestrians and persons in vehicles, but only within twenty-
five (25) feet of the point of service.
J. In outdoor common areas of apartment buildings, condominiums, trailer parks, retirement facilities, nursing
homes, and other multiple-unit residential facilities, except in designated smoking areas, not to exceed twenty-
five percent (25%) of the total outdoor common area, which must be located at least twenty-five (25) feet
outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited.
Sec. 8. Where Smoking Is Not Regulated
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article to the contrary, smoking shall not be
prohibited in private residences, unless used as a childcare, adult day care, or health care facility.
Sec. 9. Declaration of Establishment or Outdoor Area as Nonsmoking
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, an owner, operator, manager, or other
person in control of an establishment, facility, or outdoor area may declare that entire establishment,
facility, or outdoor area as a nonsmoking place. Smoking shall be prohibited in any place in which a sign
conforming to the requirements of Section 12(A) is posted.
Sec. 10. Posting of Signs and Removal of Ashtrays
The owner, operator, manager, or other person in control of a place of employment, public place,
private club, or residential facility where smoking is prohibited by this Article shall:
A. Clearly and conspicuously post "No Smoking" signs or the international "No Smoking" symbol (consisting of a
pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) in that place.
B. Clearly and conspicuously post at every entrance to that place a sign stating that smoking is prohibited or, in the
case of outdoor places, clearly and conspicuously post "No Smoking" signs in appropriate locations as
determined by the City of Port Arthur City Manager, or whom he/she designates as an authorized designee.
C. Clearly and conspicuously post on every vehicle that constitutes a place of employment under this Article at
least one sign, visible from the exterior of the vehicle, stating that smoking is prohibited.
D. Remove all ashtrays from any area where smoking is prohibited by this Article, except for ashtrays displayed
for sale and not for use on the premises.
E. Posting of signs described in Section 11 must be clearly and conspicuously posted by the sixth (60) day
following the date of this Articles adoption.
Sec. 11. Non-retaliation; Non-waiver of Rights
No person or employer shall discharge, refuse to hire, or in any manner retaliate against an
employee, applicant for employment, customer, or resident of a multiple-unit residential facility because that
employee, applicant, customer, or resident exercises any rights afforded by this Article or reports or attempts to
prosecute a violation of this Article.
A. An employee who works in a setting where an employer allows smoking does not waive or otherwise surrender
any legal rights the employee may have against the employer or any other party.
Sec. 12. Enforcement
A. This Article shall be enforced by the City of Port Arthur City Manager, or whom he/she designates as an
authorized designee as it pertains to buildings and facilities owned by the City of Port Arthur.
B. Any citizen who desires to register a complaint under this Article may initiate enforcement with the City of Port
Arthur City Manager, or whom he/she designates as an authorized designee.
C. The Health Department, Fire Department, Inspections Divisions, or other designees shall, while an
establishment is undergoing otherwise mandated inspections, inspect for compliance with this Article.
D. An owner, manager, operator, or employee of an area regulated by this Article shall direct a person who is
smoking in violation of this Article to extinguish or turn off the product being smoked. If the person does not
stop smoking, the owner, manager, operator, or employee shall refuse service and shall immediately ask the
person to leave the premises. If the person in violation refuses to leave the premises, the owner, manager,
operator, or employee shall contact a law enforcement agency.
E. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, an employee or private citizen may bring legal action to
enforce this Article.
F. In addition to the remedies provided by the provisions of this Section, the City of Port Arthur City Manager, or
whom he/she designates as an authorized designee or any person aggrieved by the failure of the owner,
operator, manager, or other person in control of a public place or a place of employment to comply with the
provisions of this Article may apply for injunctive relief to enforce those provisions in any court of competent
jurisdiction.
Sec. 13. Violations and Penalties
A. A person who smokes in an area where smoking is prohibited by the provisions of this Article shall be guilty of
an infraction, punishable by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50).
B. Except as otherwise provided in Section 13(A), a person who owns, manages, operates, or otherwise controls a
public place or place of employment and who fails to comply with the provisions of this Article shall be guilty
of an infraction,punishable by:
1. A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for a first violation.
2. A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) for a second violation within one (1) year.
3. A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) for each additional violation within one (1) year.
C. In addition to the fines established by this Section, violation of this Article by a person who owns, manages,
operates, or otherwise controls a public place or place of employment may result in the suspension or revocation
of any permit or license issued to the person for the premises on which the violation occurred.
D. Violation of this Article is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, which may be abated by the City of Port
Arthur City Manager, or whom he/she designates as an authorized designee by restraining order, preliminary
and permanent injunction, or other means provided for by law, and the City of Port Arthur may take action to
recover the costs of the nuisance abatement.
E. Each day on which a violation of this Article occurs shall be considered a separate and distinct
violation.
Sec. 14. Public Education
The City of Port Arthur City Manager, or whom he/she designates as an authorized designee
shall engage in a continuing program to explain and clarify the purposes and requirements of this Article
to citizens affected by it, and to guide owners, operators, and managers in their compliance with it. The
program may include publication of a brochure for affected businesses and individuals explaining the
provisions of this ordinance.
Sec. 15. Governmental Agency Cooperation
The City of Port Arthur City Manager, or whom he/she designates as an authorized designee
shall annually request other governmental and educational agencies having facilities within the Jefferson
County, Texas, preferably within City of Port Arthur to establish local operating procedures in
cooperation and compliance with this Article. This includes urging all Federal, State, County, City, and
School District agencies to update their existing smoking control regulations to be consistent with the
current health findings regarding secondhand smoke.