Mayor Ballard will soon decide on stronger city-wide smoking ban

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has a few days to either sign or veto the latest version of a proposed city-wide smoking ban. It was approved by City-County Council with a 19 to 9 vote.

While the mayor has not vetoed the proposed ordinance, he has said he wanted an exemption for nonprofit private clubs and veterans halls.
The current proposal instead gives these businesses an option.

"If they'd like to come in a post and have a beer and a cigarette, I think it's their privilege," said Maria Ferguson, a bartender at VFW Post 2999 on the city's east side.
"The private clubs get to decide if they are going to be smoke-free or not so the ball is in their hand. We do not believe that children need to be exposed to secondhand smoke," said Maggie Lewis, City-County Council President.

Lewis and other Democrats call this latest version of the smoking ban a compromise.

It would expand the city's 2005 city-wide smoking ban to include bars, bowling alleys and hotel rooms, but it would give private clubs a
choice: go smoke-free or keep teens and kids out. Also, hookah bars and smoke shops would not be impacted.

"I voted, 'no.' I thought it was stupid to send something to the mayor that we all knew he was going to veto. It's a waste of time," said Councilman Ryan Vaughn (R).

Vaughn said the proposed ordinance is unfair, and he is concerned about how it could potentially impact business. It is an opinion shared by Ballard who has until Sunday to make a decision.

Still, the council can put the measure back on the agenda and override a mayoral veto if they can get 20 votes. That is one more vote than they got back in January.