Missouri City smoking ban to soon take effect

On Friday, Oct. 1, Missouri City’s no-smoking ordinance will officially take effect.

The measure, which the Council approved at its July 6 meeting, prohibits smoking in most public places.

The restricted areas include: enclosed public places, such as restaurants, pool and billiard halls, bingo facilities, libraries, elevators, polling places and educational facilities. 

Also included are workplaces, outdoor areas within 25 feet of entrances to public places, and areas within 20 feet of a playing surface or competition area during a youth sporting event at a city park.  

Smoking is still permitted in outdoor seating areas of restaurants 25 feet or more from non-smoking areas, private residences except those used as an adult daycare or child care facility, private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes, retail tobacco stores and tobacco bars, and in certain stage performances when smoking is part of an act.

Owners, operators and mangers of public places and workplaces will be responsible for posting no smoking signs. They must inform their employees and patrons of the ban and remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is restricted. Violations will be punishable by a fine of up to $500.