Last gasp of the smoking ban

Tonight was the second reading of the tobacco ordinance- usually a formality as far as city ordinances go- but tonight, some bar owners showed up for a last ditch attempt to sway the council's decision.

Needless to say, it did not go anywhere, though some of the proposals from the bar owners were very moderate- an application process for a permit to allow a smoking patio, or a division process to allow one smoker's outdoor area and one non-smoking area.

The owner of the 35er was less in a mood to compromise and blasted the council for not putting the plan on a city ballot to allow people to decide for themselves.

But, also, the usual anti-smoking crowd spoke up and reiterated their desire for a ban. It is now officially over.