A complete smoking ban in Port Arthur, Texas lasted just about three weeks before the city council passed an amendment on Tuesday night to allow patrons of bars, private clubs, bingo halls and non-profit fraternal orders to once again light up in those establishments. The expanded amendment passed by a 7-3 vote after a more limited amendment the would have only exempted private clubs and fraternal orders from the ordinance failed, according to KBMT-TV. Several business owners were on hand for the meeting to encourage passage of the amendment, saying their business has dropped by upwards of 50% since the ban went info effect. The amendment takes effect immediately. The original ban was passed in April. Port Arthur is located 90 miles east of Houston and has a population of approximately 55,000 people.
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