Smoking lounges are now a part of Frisco's smoking ordinance after a local business owner approached the city about adding one in her restaurant.

Frisco City Council approved amendments to the smoking ordinance during the March 5 meeting. The amendments include defining a smoking lounge, which is a room in a retail establishment provided for patrons to smoke. The ordinance was also amended to include hookah and other non-tobacco substitutes under the definition of smoking.

Dee Lincoln Prime, an upscale steakhouse at The Star in Frisco, is planning to add a smoking lounge. Owner Dee Lincoln said the smoking ordinance amendment is an important step to help Frisco businesses remain competitive.

"I really feel like as a new business owner in Frisco and all the competition that's been around us, this speaks loud and clear to how much you all care and how you want to attract businesses here," she said.

Under the amended ordinance, smoking lounges cannot take up more than 15 percent of the floor area of a business and must have a barrier to prevent smoke from escaping the establishment.