Council resurrects workplace smoking ban proposal

Two weeks after reaching a stalemate on a proposal that would broaden the city’s workplace smoking ban, City-Council Council members voted Monday night to resurrect the measure.

The council is expected to take up the issue again at its Nov. 30 meeting.

Council members tabled the proposal, which would have prohibited patrons from lighting up in bars, bowling alleys and nightclubs, on Oct. 26 when it fell short of the 15 votes necessary to either pass or fail. The measure would have broadened an existing law that prohibits smoking in most public places, including restaurants that serve minors.

Democrat Joanne Sanders challenged the decision to table the issue, saying that violated city law because the measure did not get the 15 votes required to pass or kill an ordinance. Members voted 16-12 to reverse the decision to table the matter, and added the matter to their Nov. 30 agenda.

"It is alive and well," said Sanders, who voted in favor of the proposal last month.

Supporters had vowed to continue fighting for the stricter smoking ban, but didn’t expect the council to revisit the issue until early next year.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is reportedly among those opposing the measure.