A new smoking ordinance is on the books in the city of Washington. The issue was approved at the city council meeting on January 22, 2013. The ordinance was approved following a presentation from a group known as “Breathe Easy Washington”. Mayor Sandy Lucy says that the ordinance was a year in the making. Under the terms of the ordinance, smoking will be allowed no less than 20 feet from the front door of a business or other establishment. The vote by the council was eight to nothing. Lucy says that the council made only one exception, the new hookah lounge. The council agreed to a one-year exemption and at the end of that period, the owner will have the option of another exemption. The ordnance will take effect April 15, 2013.