THROWBACK THURSDAY: Smoking fines stiffen
Mid-’70s law alludes to end of public smoking
New legislation in 1975 imposed strict punishment for smoking in prohibited areas as part of a relatively new movement. The Americana theater, which used to have a designated smoking area, is now the Yarborough branch of the Austin Public Library system.
January 20, 2023
“No smoking. Smoking is prohibited by state law. Violations are punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.”
Students and faculty noticed this as they came into the building the first week of school.
Even though school officials now have the right to call in the law to take care of breaches of this policy, it is felt that there will probably be no need to do so.
According to the Limited Smoking Bill of Texas Legislature recently passed, smoking is now illegal in public facilities, secondary schools, elevators, movie houses, enclosed theaters, libraries, museums, transit system buses, inter-state buses, planes and trains. Violation of this bill is considered a Class C misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $200.
It is legal to smoke in designated areas in public places. The Americana theater follows this example by naming the side section of the theater for smokers.
Assistant Principal Mr. Roy Coers said, “I have always thought it a matter of politeness not to smoke in certain places. I am really sorry that a law has had to take the place of politeness.”
The new bill really doesn’t have a drastic effect on students here. “I can’t see that it has made any difference, students never smoked in the building before,” said Kathy Peeples.
If a student is caught smoking in the halls, he or she will be school disciplined. Depending upon the severity of the case, the student will be reprimanded.
Even though school officials now have the right to call in the law to take care of breaches of this policy, it is felt that there will probably be no need to do so.
“I don’t anticipate that any case will arise where we need to have the law to handle smoking problems at McCallum,” Mr. Coers said .
Students were never allowed to smoke in the building, so it is really only the faculty who have to watch where they “light up.”
This story was originally published in The Shield on Sept. 26, 1975.
![NOTHINGS BETTER THAN FUNNELCAKES: In the small blacktop by the flower garden, food trucks, candy corn stalls and funnel cake stands are set up with picnic table for a break when people get hungry. Many visitors come here to meet up with friends and explore the other areas as well, but it furthermore serves as a perfect place for conversation. “I think it [the gathering space] makes the school feel more lively,” Dube says.](https://macshieldonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Gullet-Carnival-Photo-Essay-1-1-600x338.jpg)
Don H Coers • Oct 7, 2023 at 1:53 pm
Thanks so much for this report. Roy Coers was my father, and this brings back good memories to his family. I went to Austin High, but before that, Dad took me to all his football and basketball games. He loved teaching and started teaching in a one-room school at the age of 18.
My son in Chicago found your article on the internet.
Don H Coers
South Padre Island, TX