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CLAYTON, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
An indoor smoking ban in St. Louis County will be decided by the voters. That was the announcement from County Executive Charlie Dooley Friday morning.
Dooley signed legislation allowing the smoking ban to be on the November 3rd ballot.
Supporters and opponents of a county-wide ban have been at odds for months on whether or not the county should adopt the policy.
Now it will be up to voters to decide whether indoor smoking should be banned in St. Louis County public places. Supporters argue it will reduce health risks for non-smokers.
Charlie Dooley discussed his personal decision to stop smoking four years ago and said this is a county wide health issue and decided to put it up for a vote.
There are exemptions in the bill passed Tuesday night by the St. Louis County Council. The exemptions include casino floors, Lambert Airport smoking lounges, and drinking establishments where 25% of the gross income is from food.
Before signing the bill, County Executive Dooley says he'd prefer a statewide bill, but for county residents, this is a good place to start.
Critics say the legislation creates a weak ordinance and it exposes non-smokers to public health risks.
Now it will be up to voters to decide whether indoor smoking should be banned in St. Louis County public places. Supporters argue it will reduce health risks for non-smokers.
Charlie Dooley discussed his personal decision to stop smoking four years ago and said this is a county wide health issue and decided to put it up for a vote.
There are exemptions in the bill passed Tuesday night by the St. Louis County Council. The exemptions include casino floors, Lambert Airport smoking lounges, and drinking establishments where 25% of the gross income is from food.
Before signing the bill, County Executive Dooley says he'd prefer a statewide bill, but for county residents, this is a good place to start.
Critics say the legislation creates a weak ordinance and it exposes non-smokers to public health risks.
