Springfield Council Mulls Smoking Ban Amendments as Repeal Vote Nears

(Springfield, MO) -- Springfield's smoking ban and possible amendments continue to be the focus of City Council conversations.           

Members held a special meeting Monday to discuss two omnibus bills that incorporate proposed amendments to the current smoking ban. 

One bill, sponsored by Councilpersons Bob Stephens and Cynthia Rushefsky, creates exemptions for electronic cigarettes from the ban and allows smoking as part of theatrical performances. It also has exemptions for tobacco shops, private clubs and bingo halls that are "grandfathered" or having been existence meeting certain criteria, prior to the 2011 ban.

A second bill, sponsored by Councilman Doug Burlison, provides the same exemptions, but also exempts bars.

This all comes in addition to other modifications City Council has previously discussed.

"There are amendments currently pending (see below), but if they adopt these bills all those amendments would go by the wayside," says Springfield City Attorney Dan Wichmer.

Any amendment requires a unanimous vote by council.

There's an appeal of a lawsuit involving Ruthie's Bar. The business sued the city and lost. That could impact how bars are factored into this equation.

The public hearing continues next Monday night. Meanwhile, the smoking issue goes to voters again in June.

Read More:
Vote of Smoking Ban Amendments Delayed Due to Partial Council Presence
Smoking Ban Repeal Will Go To Voters in June 

Omnibus Bills from the City of Springfield:

COUNCIL BILL 2012-127. (Stephens & Rushefsky)

A special ordinance amending Chapter 58, Health and Sanitation, Article X, Springfield Smokefree Air Act of 2011, Section 58-1002, Definitions; Section 58-1004, Prohibition of smoking in enclosed public places; Section 58-1005, Prohibition of smoking in enclosed places of employment; and Section 58-1009, Where smoking not regulated; and repealing Section 58- 1006, Smoking prohibited in private clubs, in its entirety.

Any changes to the smoking ban must be approved unanimously. Council members will vote on which, if any of the ordinances have full support.

COUNCIL BILL 2012-127 SUBSTITUTE NO.1 (Burlison)

A special ordinance amending Chapter 58, Health and Sanitation, Article X, Springfield Smokefree Air Act of 2011, Section 58-1002, Definitions; Section 58-1004, Prohibition of smoking in enclosed public places; Section 58-1005, Prohibition of smoking in enclosed places of employment; and Section 58-1009, Where smoking not regulated; and repealing Section 58- 1006, Smoking prohibited in private clubs, in its entirety.