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Health inspectors recap Garland smoking ordinance: patios and hookah bars not allowed, signage available
Summary
Health department staff told the board that Garland prohibits smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco on city premises except for grandfathered businesses, that patios within 25 feet of entrances are generally not allowed, and that the department provides no-smoking signs to businesses.
Health inspectors told the board that Garland’s local ordinance broadly prohibits smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco on city premises unless a business is specifically grandfathered under older rules, and that the health department provides signage to help businesses comply.
“You know, there’s no line — it’s the same thing,” said Dahlia Reyes, summarizing how the ordinance treats smoking and vaping alike. Inspectors said only two businesses identified in the presentation currently hold grandfathered status; hookah bars are not permitted, and patios must generally be 25 feet from doors and windows to qualify. Board members asked where signs can be obtained; inspectors said the signs are available on the health-department website and can be emailed to owners on request.
Members also asked about rooftop or other outdoor special cases; inspectors said they would follow up and check ordinance text and report back. The health department asked residents to report apparent violations so staff can include signage checks in inspections and follow up with property owners when signs are missing.
