SMOKING BAN

Brad Watson reports

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DALLAS — The Dallas City Council has approved a plan to toughen the city's smoking ordinance.

It bans smoking at bars, taverns and pool halls. It also bars smokers from the vicinity of most business entrances.

"... With me, first it's a health issue, and the health overrules everything," said Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway.

Austin and Houston already have similar bans. Violators would face fines, and bar owners also could be fined for non-enforcement.

The vote was 10-5 in favor of the stronger regulations; Council members Vonciel Jones Hill, Steve Salazar, Tennell Atkins, Sheffie Kadane and Mitchell Rasansky opposed the measure.

The final debate before the city council came color coded. Bar owners and employees who fear they'll lose business and smoker rights supporters wore yellow.

"It would have a devastating effect on my sales and would increase my labor costs by over 20 percent," said Michelle Fiaschetti, a bar owner.

Groups like the American Heart and Lung Associations and individuals who want an end to smoking in bars and pools wore red.

"I have no doubt that second-hand smoke exposure is a risk to the public's health," said Dr. John Carlo, with the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

Opposing council members said it's a matter of property rights.

"I don't have the right to tell him you can't smoke in your facility," said council member Sheffie Kadane.

But the majority said smoking bans in other cities didn't hurt bar business and decided it was a vote that would protect public health.

"The rights of smokers end when they begin jeopardizing the health of others," said council member Angela Hunt.

The revised ordinance takes effect April 10.

WFAA-TV's Brad Watson and DallasNews.com contributed to this report.