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Branson revises smoke-free ordinance ahead of aldermen review

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Last edited 2:19 p.m., Aug. 28, 2014

Branson stakeholders still have time to voice their opinions on the city's proposed ordinance to cut smoking from local businesses.

The Branson Board of Aldermen is expected to consider the ordinance, which calls for a ban on smoking in most of the city's public places on Oct. 14. The public is invited to speak on the ordinance during the board's Sept. 9 and Sept. 23 meetings, according to a news release.

After weeks of public input and the release of the initial draft language for public review on Aug. 12, city officials made changes to better define the scope of the proposed ban.

The list of public places where smoking would be prohibited was amended to include most public enclosed places, but allow outdoor smoking except in four areas: within 10 feet of entrances, outdoor serving areas of restaurants, public transportation stops, operable windows and ventilation systems; patio-serving areas of restaurants; city parks, except certain designated areas; and outdoor common areas at multifamily residential developments, except designated areas, according to city officials.

“We have lessened the law of the restrictions with this second draft, mainly the outdoor area, including golf courses," said Joel Hornickel, director of planning and development for the city of Branson.

The proposed ordinance also mandates private residences would be considered public places for the purposes of the smoke ban when used for child care, adult day care or as a health care facility, according to the release.

The proposed ordinance would allow smoking in private residences, outdoor places of employment not covered by the provisions of the ban and certain smoking lounges. Lounge operators wishing to allow smoking in their establishments would be required to provide annual reports demonstrating over 70 percent of sales coming from smoking products, according to the release.

Springfield has had a voter-approved smoking ban on the books since April 2011, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.[[In-content Ad]]

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