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South Padre leaders back off tackling smoking ban  

The South Padre Island Board of Aldermen convened in a room crowded with interested spectators Wednesday evening.

Most of them were there to see what the board would do with one item on its agenda: "Discussion and possible action regarding a 'No Smoking' ordinance in offices, retail shops, hotels/motels and enclosed restaurants."

Alderman Sam Listi, who had placed the item on the agenda, led off the discussion. He said smoking is an addiction, and he managed to quit many years ago. "Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, a drug that is addictive and can make it very hard, but not impossible, to quit," he said.

He contended that more than 400,000 deaths in the United States each year are due to smoking-related illnesses, and recommended adoption of an ordinance to prohibit smoking in offices, retail shops, hotel/motels, restaurants (except for outdoor areas) and bars that derive more than half their gross income from the sale of food.

Listi said he had many letters and e-mails supporting his position, and none against it. He also had a long list of Texas cities that have passed similar ordinances, including Houston.

Alderwoman Alita Bagley said she was personally against such an ordinance in principle, but she, too, had many letters of support for the "No Smoking" ordinance

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