People Ban: TX Nederland

Nederland Update

Smoking Ban Issue

Ashley Rodrigue
January 28, 2008

To ban or not to ban? That question is swirling around Nederland tonight as the mid-county city considers a smoking ban. This evening the community got its second chance to weigh in on the debate…

The six ‘for’ versus the five ‘against’ comments from the public showed city council members just how tied up the community is into this issue. Those in support of a smoking ban say the city should prevent the spread of second-hand smoke, similar to the way school children are vaccinated to avoid spreading diseases in the classroom.

Those opposed to a smoking ban say the government shouldn’t dictate business owners’ rights, and a ban out would only prevent Nederland from taking part in the economic boom set to take off in the coming years. The council says this kind of debate is exactly what they need to do what’s right for Nederland.

Mayor Nugent says there will be two more public hearings on the smoking ban issue. The first will be at 3 p.m. Monday, February 11 at Nederland City Hall. The second will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 25.

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Public can comment on Nederland smoking ban plan

The Enterprise
01/27/2008

The public gets a chance to comment on banning smoking in public places at the Nederland City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

This is the second public hearing on the subject, which originally was brought up by a resident.

Council members also will consider putting in stop signs at several intersections and calling the May election for mayor and two council members.

Nederland: Snuff ’em if you got ’em?
City council seeks community input on possible smoking ban

January 23, 2008
By DENNIS KUTAC Staff writer
Officials in Nederland want to hear not just from their residents, but from the community on the possibility of a citywide smoking ban in public places.

The city will be allowing time during their January and February regular council meetings to hear comments from the community on their thought on this issue.

Nederland Mayor R.A. “Dick” Nugent said they want to gather information for a study to determine whether or not such a ban should be passed.

“We want to get a good feel of what the area cities are doing and what residents, not just in Nederland but throughout our area think about this.We want to do the right thing the first time around,” Nugent said.

Officials could not say when a decision might be made on this issue.

Last month the council heard comments in favor of a smoking ban from Nederland resident Crystal Foxworth and last week other residents provided their opinions to the council.

Troy Foxworth, husband of Crystal Foxworth said he is supporting his wife on this issue

“This is not just for our children’s health, but for our own health too,” he said.

Port Neches resident Ruth Gilliam also addressed the council in favor of a smoking ban.

“I’m hoping Nederland does pass a smoking ban because then maybe Port Neches will consider one,” she said.

Gilliam added that she and her family enjoy eating in Beaumont restaurants since the passing of a recent smoking ban there.

But not everyone shared the same views.

Homer Nagel, a resident of Nederland and former mayor, said although he doesn’t believe a smoking ban would have any affect on him one way or the other, he thinks a decision like this should be left up to the businesses to decide.

“I believe it’s a person’s right to choose whether they want to allow smoking in their businesses or not,” he said.

Irene Collins has owned and operated Irene’s Lounge on Twin City Highway since 1973 and said although she feels the City of Nederland has always been good to her, she believes the passing of a smoking ban would harm her business.

“I have a small business and I hope they don’t pass something like this,” she said.

“I can’t remember a customer who ordered a drink in my establishment who didn’t light up. Most of the time if someone is going to drink, they are going to smoke.”

Collins said she also has fans in her lounge that help pull the smoke out of the area where her customers are and always keeps a watchful eye to make sure minors never enter her business.

According to the Beaumont Enterprise archives, Crystal Foxworth asked that any new ordinance passed put an end to smoking in public places; anywhere up to 25 feet away from a building’s entrance; at football games, parks and other places where children gather; and hotels and motels.

“We are unwillingly exposed to smoke,” she said.

Foxworth also cited statistics that cigarette smoke contains about 250 chemicals, most of which are toxic or a carcinogen.

She said the city has noise ordinances to protect the resident’s ears, but there is nothing to protect them from outdoor cigarette smoke.

Mayor Pro-tem Bert Rogers said during that meeting that city staff would research the issue and council members proposed a public comment period on the issue.

Rogers said the city has gotten several letters from residents about a ban.

Nederland has about a half-dozen sit-down restaurants – most of which are along FM 365, which is the city’s boundary with Port Arthur.

Port Arthur city officials also have discussed a ban, but haven’t taken any action, according to The Enterprise archives.

A ban has been in place in Beaumont since July 2006; after it was passed, opponents to it mounted an unsuccessful petition drive to put the measure to a local vote.

Several restaurants here adjusted by constructing required separate areas or becoming private clubs. During the first year, there were 23 citations issued for violations.

Some defunct businesses claim the smoking ban was one factor in their closing because of a drop in business or the costs to comply with the ban, according to The Enterprise.

Other cities have passed smoking bans of varying degrees across the state, including Alvin, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Lubbock, New Braunfels, Odessa, Robinson, Schertz and West Lake.

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