By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-826169.mp3
Dallas, TX – The city of Mesquite cracks down on SMOKING. KERA's BJ Austin says the new ban includes almost ALL public places.
The new smoking ban applies to all public places, except bingo halls and retail tobacco stores. Bingo halls will have to pay a thousand dollar a year smoking permit fee. The crackdown comes after a task force spent about three months getting public input, studying the smoking policies of surrounding cities, and conducting an online survey that showed support for a tougher smoking ordinance.
The no smoking areas include bars, restaurants, hotels, office buildings even parks - within 50 feet of a playground. Violators could face a fine of up to two thousand dollars. The new smoking restrictions go into effect June 14th.