City of Cleburne to Decide on New Smoking Ordinance

Smokers in Cleburne may soon get a clear signal whether or not they can smoke in local businesses.

The City of Cleburne announced today that the City Council is to consider a new smoking ordinance. City officials said the proposed ordinance lets business owners to choose whether to permit smoking or not in their businesses.

"After wrestling for some time with how to balance the rights of smokers, non-smokers, and how to allow the free market to drive business, this proposed ordinance was the solution I was seeking," stated Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain.

A revised smoking ordinance will deal with city properties, but is unique in how it deals with privately-owned businesses that cater to the public.

Under the proposed ordinance, city officials said businesses allowing smoking will not allow anyone under 18 years old. The other two options of non-smoking or smoking in designated areas are similar to smoking ordinances in other cities, officials said.

The ordinance will levy a fine up to $500 for people who violate a business's choice to be non-smoking. A sign displaying the smoking preference must also be displayed near the business's entrance.

"This is another way of addressing competing rights without taking away from the free market approach to business," Mayor Cain said in a written statement.