City of Houston announces more spots that will be smoke-free

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There will soon be fewer spots around Houston you'll be able to light up. City libraries and parks will be smoke-free.

The city announced on Wednesday plans to ban smoking and tobacco products on all properties, expanding an ordinance which passed back in 2006.

Right now, city law bans smoking within 25 feet of a public facility, places of employment, bars, restaurants and at any outdoor sports arena or stadium.

More than 900 municipal parks system are currently smoke-free. However, the Houston Public Library is believed to be among the first large library systems in the country to implement this type of policy.

"The Houston Public Library serves more than four million people each year, with approximately 40 percent of our daily programs targeted to children or families with children," said HPL Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson. "We want the residents of our city to think of each library location as a safe, healthy, family-friendly and welcoming environment. These no smoking zones will help us meet this goal."

The new policy will take effect at HPL's downtown properties starting Thursdays. All other libraries and parks facilities will become smoke and tobacco product-free the day after Labor Day.

Those who refuse to comply will be asked to leave and, ultimately, may face the possibility of a municipal citation with a fine not to exceed $2,000.