[SouthTexas]

Was in Austin several years ago. We ate in a restaurant that was non smoking. Really wondered about the open pit BBQ in the middle of the place burning mesquite, but no smoking. These people are clueless.

[CarolTX]

Yeah, and that's the best part.
The way the Austin Ban-smoking petition is worded, it would prohibit open-pit BBQs (like you described) AND possibly things like the dining room grills you see at Benihana.

[garyhope]

Next, they'll try and ban your outdoor BBQ grill. If they try that in Texas and the South, there's gonna be gunplay.