Tougher smoking ban passes committee

A tougher workplace smoking ban is closer to reality in Indianapolis.

An ordinance that would prohibit lighting up in bars, bowling alleys and nightclubs, and nearby outdoor seating areas as well, was endorsed 4-2 by a City-County Council committee Wednesday night. The full council could vote on the measure as early as Oct. 26.

City-County Councilor Angela Mansfield, a Democrat, is co-sponsoring the proposal along with Republican Ben Hunter.

The city’s current ban already prohibits smoking in most public places but allows exceptions for private clubs, bowling alleys and taverns. An amendment to the new proposal that passed last night would still allow smoking in cigar and hookah bars, but it would cap the number of licenses available for such establishments.