Earlier this week, city leaders in Waco, Texas voted to bring an end to smoking in bars, restaurants and a number of public places, a change that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016. The ban passed by a vote of 5-1. Retail tobacco shops as well as smoking lounges and electronic cigarette stores were exempted from the ban. The city council also approved an modification that reduces the minimum distance a smoker must be from doors to a business from 20 feet to 15, and has provided language that could allow bar and restaurant owners to allow for smoking on outdoor patios. Additionally, city parks will have small, designated smoking areas created where people will be allowed to light up. Both individuals and businesses can be fined for violating the ban, with fines starting at $50 and escalating to $500 per offense. Waco is located approximately 100 miles south of Dallas and is home to an estimated 129,000 residents.
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