Recent News & Updates
Fort Worth , TX - 1-03-2008
January 1 marked the beginning of Fort Worth’s new smoking ordinance that exempts bars and other workplaces. The new ordinance was adopted in August after public meetings and debate hosted by the city brought the issue before the council. Smoke-Free Fort Worth, a coalition of public health organizations and concerned citizens, worked closely with city officials during the process.
The ordinance stops short of a 100% smoke-free workplace law, despite recommendations by the city-appointed ad hoc committee that worked for several months during 2006. The committee concluded that Fort Worth should enact a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance that included all indoor work places and public places. Exemptions in the new ordinance include freestanding bars, bingo halls, and private clubs. Poll results released by the coalition in August showed that fully 71% of Fort Worth voters would have supported a stronger ordinance that included bars.
“While we appreciate the actions of our city council, the new ordinance does not go far enough. It will not protect all workers and leaves many exposed to serious health risks,” said Cliff Parker, co-chair of Smoke-Free Fort Worth and member of the American Cancer Society board of directors for Tarrant County. “We will continue to work for 100% smoke-free workplace laws.”
Welcome to Our Website
Smoke-Free Fort Worth is a coalition of public health organizations, companies and private citizens that are concerned about the dangers of secondhand smoke. Thank you for visiting our site. Here you'll find news updates, information on how to get involved, facts on tobacco control issues, and links to organizations working for a smoke-free environment.
The 2006 Surgeon General's report shows that there is no longer any scientific debate that secondhand smoke causes serious diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, and that the only way to protect everyone from these health hazards is to completely eliminate indoor exposure.
Smoke-Free Fort Worth is working to protect children and adults from exposure to secondhand smoke in our community. Please join us in working for a healthier city.