CLAYTON, MO (KTVI - FOX2now.com) -
Clayton has joined the trickle of Missouri cities that have banned smoking. In Tuesday night City Council meeting, members voted unanimously to outlaw indoor smoking. The Clayton ban goes into effect a year from now. Clayton becomes the second St. Louis County municipality following Ballwin to ban indoor smoking.
Clayton's Mayor, Linda Goldstein, said, "If the municipalities continue leading the way, I'm confident that eventually the County and the state will tune in as well."
Restaurant and bar lobbyists have blocked any statewide smoking bans in Jeff City. County executive Charlie Dooley's against a ban in St. Louis County. St. Louis city, meanwhile,could decide to go smoke free this fall, ut only if all of the county follows.
So now, it's up to each town.
Bill Hannigan with Keep St. Louis Free says, "When Clayton decided to go smoke free they were counting on the city bars and adult venues also going smoke free so they wouldn't be competing with each other."
The Clayton smoking ban takes effect in July of 2010. Smoking will be allowed in outdoor dining areas. Otherwise, no smoking in offices, hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Meanwhile, Kirkwood City Council votes on a smoking ban Thursday night. It is expected to fail.
Mayor Goldstein says, "For whatever reasons, certain members of an elected body may choose to agree with not becoming a smoke-free community and it is my understanding that in Kirkwood that is the case."
Jean Loemker with Healthy Air For Kirkwood says, "I think it's a basic fear of change. They're afraid it may have a negative economic impact.
But Kirkwood's residents will get a chance to vote on a smoking ban in November.
Clayton's Mayor, Linda Goldstein, said, "If the municipalities continue leading the way, I'm confident that eventually the County and the state will tune in as well."
Restaurant and bar lobbyists have blocked any statewide smoking bans in Jeff City. County executive Charlie Dooley's against a ban in St. Louis County. St. Louis city, meanwhile,could decide to go smoke free this fall, ut only if all of the county follows.
So now, it's up to each town.
Bill Hannigan with Keep St. Louis Free says, "When Clayton decided to go smoke free they were counting on the city bars and adult venues also going smoke free so they wouldn't be competing with each other."
The Clayton smoking ban takes effect in July of 2010. Smoking will be allowed in outdoor dining areas. Otherwise, no smoking in offices, hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Meanwhile, Kirkwood City Council votes on a smoking ban Thursday night. It is expected to fail.
Mayor Goldstein says, "For whatever reasons, certain members of an elected body may choose to agree with not becoming a smoke-free community and it is my understanding that in Kirkwood that is the case."
Jean Loemker with Healthy Air For Kirkwood says, "I think it's a basic fear of change. They're afraid it may have a negative economic impact.
But Kirkwood's residents will get a chance to vote on a smoking ban in November.
