Laredo Morning Times, March 28, 2006

Soon smokers across Laredo will no longer be able to enjoy a cigarette with their meal. In fact, they will also be asked to refrain from smoking while drinking if it's at a bar within city limits. The Laredo City Council voted to ban smoking in all public places, including resta-urants and bars and any other enclosed public facility. The vote was 5-3, with Councilmen Hector "Tito" Garcia, Johnny Amaya and Juan Chavez voting against approval.

"You today are taking one important step toward safeguarding our future," Dr. Hector Gonzalez, director of the Laredo Heath Department, told the council after the vote.

May 14, 2006
DAVID TEWES - Victoria Advocate
A proposal to expand Victoria's smoking ban got the approval of 70 percent of the people voting in Saturday's election and the new prohibition will go into effect next month.

It will make it illegal to smoke in any building open to the public or within 12 feet of an entrance to a public building. A public building is defined as any building other than one used as a private residence.

“It’s not about whether you should or should not smoke,” Crownover said. “It’s about respect for our workers.”

The Smoke-Free Texas Coalition will be hosting a rally to urge legislators to pass a comprehensive smoke-free law:

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007
TEXAS STATE CAPITOL
(SOUTH STEPS)
12:45 PM

Smoke-Free Texas is working with Senator Rodney Ellis in the Texas Senate to restore the Smoke-Free Texas Workplace Law (HB9/SB368) to its original intent. They maintain their commitment to smoke-free provisions, including but not limited to the following:

Smoke-free public and workplaces (restaurants, bars, sports arenas, healthcare facilities, facilities of the state or local government)

No language that will allow local communities to opt out of the state law or language that will pre-empt the state law.

Smoke-Free Texas encourages you join them in their efforts at the Smoke-Free Texas Rally.

Make your voice heard!

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007
TEXAS STATE CAPITOL
(SOUTH STEPS)
12:45 PM