'Clean Air' a go; roundabout, no

1. http://www.etypeservices.com/San%20Marcos%20RecordID328/default.aspx

2. Category of Problem/Issue identified in article: Environment

3. Level of problem/issue: Local Level

4.An “enacted” policy that has been passed to help with a problem/issue that individuals/families face
5. Why this is important to individuals/families OR How does this affect individuals/families:
This impacts individuals who are smokers here in San Marcos.  This also effects business such as bars and restaurants in town who do not have an outdoor area. 

6. What are your views on the issue/policy?
My views on this policy is that now it will be harder for for restaurants and bars to get a building permit to accommodate smokers.  On June 1st of next year, San Marcos will put the Clean Air Ordinance into effect.  On Tuesday night's meeting, it was a 6-1 vote for the Clean Air Ordinance, approving it since it was not decided last meeting.  Not only will this ordinance ban smoking from bars and restaurants but will also prohibit smoking within 10 feet of any entrance.  I think that it is great to ban smoking from restaurants and outside the buildings but I don't think bars should have to ban smoking as well.  I think bars should have the option whether they want to ban smoking or not.  I love smoking at the bar, and I don't want to have to go to my car to have a cigarette or worry about getting a fine for it.  I love going to Showdown and already know it is going to have problems with this new ordinance in June of next year.  I would even be fine with not smoking at other bars, I just think that they should give the bars a chance to have their say.  I do however agree with banning it at restaurants in public places.  I don't like to smoking in front of children and other people who don't smoke, but everyone I know at the bars smoke, so I don't feel bad and can actually not worry about other's who do not smoke.