Stricter Smoking Ban Debate Relit

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- A comprehensive smoking ban proposal thought dead when the City-County Council tabled it two weeks ago is back on the agenda for a third time.

At their meeting Monday night, councilors put the ban, which would add bars, bowling alleys and private clubs to the current ban passed in 2005, back under consideration, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

Councilors could vote on the ban again on Nov. 30. Two weeks ago, it was tabled when it didn't get the 15 votes needed to either pass or fail.

Opponents have argued that the ban infringes on the rights of bar owners. The only exclusions under the proposal would be cigar bars and hookah bars.

Some argue that putting the proposal back under consideration is a waste of time, while others contend that passing a stricter ban is an eventuality the city should confront now.

"This is an issue where both sides are pretty well entrenched. There aren't a lot of votes that are in play," said Brad Klopfenstein, spokesman for Save Indianapolis Bars. "I'm not exactly sure what they're trying to accomplish. It's pretty evident that the votes aren't there."

Councilman Ben Hunter, who sponsored the proposed ordinance, said he is glad councilors will get another chance to pass it.

"It has a 70 percent approval rating. 70 percent of the nation is already under a comprehensive law like this," Hunter said. "There's no doubt that Indianapolis is going to be moving in this direction, and if it doesn't pass this year, it's going to pass in the future."