State lawmakers might override local ordinances
Smoker puffs away in a Paris cafe. In the U.S. the debate rages on over smoking in public places including Quincy's bars and restaurants.
/ Courtesy AP GraphicsBank
QUINCY, IL -- To smoke or not to smoke used to be the question. But the effects of second-hand smoke have created a whole new dilemma for cities across the country.
The Coalition for a Smoke Free Quincy wants the city to prohibit smoking in all public establishments, which would include restaurants and taverns.
The Quincy City Council heard from residents on both sides of the issue. Those against the proposal say it would put some restaurants and bars out of business. But others say the health of innocent children and employees of those businesses need to be protected.
Twenty eight cities in Illinois have a smoking ban of some sort right now.
Mayor John Spring says there's no formal ordinance facing the city council right now. But alderman might not have to make a decision on the issue.
That's because state lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban smoking from all public facilities.
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