Oxford passes ban on smoking

Smokers in Oxford have about another 30 days to indulge their taste for tobacco at bars, restaurants and other indoor venues where smoking has traditionally been allowed.

The Oxford Board of Aldermen unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday that will end smoking in all indoor spaces except residences and tobacco stores.

Also included in the ban are such outdoor areas as stadiums, arenas and amphitheaters. Bars and restaurants with outdoor areas must reserve at least 50 percent of such areas for nonsmokers.

Smokers who violate the ordinance are subject to a first-time fine of $50 and a $250 fine on subsequent offenses. Offending businesses will be fined $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second within a year and $500 for any subsequent violations within a year.


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