ARLINGTON -- The City Council on Tuesday informally approved a plan with the Texas Rangers to limit the number of smoking areas at the city-owned Rangers Ballpark.
An official vote is set for Oct. 16.Smoking would be eliminated on the balconies of the private Cuervo Club, and smoking areas on the upper concourse would be reduced and moved farther from seating and concessions.Smoking areas on the ground level of the open-air stadium would also become more visible through floor markings and signs, said Rob Matwick, executive vice president of ballpark and event operations.Councilman Robert Rivera, who had called for a total smoking ban in the ballpark, said Tuesday that he supports the revisions."From the smokers I've heard from, they want to be compliant but there is a little ambiguity as to where they are supposed to be," Rivera said. "This is definitely a win for all involved."Indoor smoking is already banned at the nearby city-owned Cowboys Stadium and at most other places in Arlington.In October, the council will also vote on proposals to prohibit smoking in public parks, billiard halls, nightclubs, bowling alleys and the city's last strip club. The changes would not affect bars, bingo parlors, private clubs, private offices or tobacco shops. Arlington's smoking ordinance was last revised in 2008.The ordinance bans smoking within 50 feet of a building's entrance, so banning smoking altogether inside the ballpark would force ticket holders who want to smoke to leave ballpark property. Council members were shown a map of the ballpark marked with a line showing the 50-foot perimeter."You are either in the street or you are in the median," said Roger Venables, assistant director for community development and planning. "It's really not a practical solution to take it outside."Susan Schrock, 817-709-7578Twitter: @susanschrockHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
