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Laredo Health Groups Demand Public Workshop on Smoking Ordinance Change
Proposed amendment could weaken 19-year-old law prohibiting smoking in public places
Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:39am
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Serving Adults and Children in Need, Inc. (SCAN) and the Webb County Community Coalition are raising concerns about a proposed amendment to Laredo's 2006 ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places. They argue the change would benefit tobacco retailers by allowing them to operate as bars where smoking is permitted, posing public health risks. The groups are demanding the city hold a public workshop to hear community input before voting on the amendment on February 2.
Why it matters
Laredo's current ordinance is considered one of the strongest in Texas when it comes to restricting smoking in public areas. The proposed change is seen as weakening this law and prioritizing the interests of tobacco businesses over public health, which could lead to increased smoking and associated health issues in the community.
The details
The first change to the 2006 ordinance allowed tobacco specialty stores to be located in non-freestanding buildings, which was seen as weakening the law. The second change added electronic smoking devices to the ordinance, strengthening it again. Now, the current proposed amendment would redefine 'bar' to benefit tobacco specialty stores and cigar lounges by allowing them to permit smoking, which the health groups argue is bad public health policy.
- The current ordinance has been in place for 19 years since 2006.
- The city of Laredo is set to vote on the proposed amendment on February 2, 2026.
The players
Serving Adults and Children in Need, Inc. (SCAN)
A nonprofit organization that is questioning the city's proposed changes to the smoking ordinance and demanding a public workshop.
Webb County Community Coalition (WCCC)
A coalition that is joining SCAN in demanding a public workshop on the proposed smoking ordinance amendment.
Dr. Christopher Craddock
The chief operations officer of SCAN who spoke at the press conference about the concerns with the proposed ordinance change.
Veronica Jimenez
The program director of the Webb County Community Coalition who invited the public to request a public workshop on the issue.
Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino
The mayor of Laredo who is a doctor and former city health authority, whose opinion the health groups want to hear on the proposed ordinance change.
What they’re saying
“We request a public workshop before voting to weaken the ordinance on Feb. 2, to give a voice to community members.”
— Dr. Christopher Craddock, Chief Operations Officer, SCAN
“We would like to have an open dialogue between the community and officials such as Dr. Trevino, Dr. King and Dr. Chamberlain on how they plan to handle this, which is a public health risk because many people die from smoking or other tobacco-related illnesses.”
— Veronica Jimenez, Program Director, Webb County Community Coalition
“Ultimately, we hope the mayor and the majority of council members choose to be public health heroes and resoundingly say 'no' to modifying the ordinance to benefit tobacco specialty retail stores.”
— Dr. Christopher Craddock, Chief Operations Officer, SCAN
“While I support economic growth and small business investment, reducing smoking especially among our youth is essential to building a healthier workforce and lowering long-term healthcare costs in our already medically underserved community. I support having more conversations with business owners and stakeholders when discussing thoughtful exceptions within our public-health-driven ordinances so we can protect health while supporting responsible economic development.”
— Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino
What’s next
The Laredo City Council is set to vote on the proposed amendment to the smoking ordinance on February 2, 2026.
The takeaway
This debate highlights the tension between public health concerns and business interests when it comes to smoking regulations. The health groups are pushing for more community input and a focus on protecting public health, while the city must balance those priorities with supporting local businesses.
