Entries tagged with “smoking ban st. louis” from Smoke-Free St. Louis
"I think it is imperative that the people of St. Louis County deserve to be heard at the polls," Dooley said before signing the bill in his office at the county administration building.
The bill, passed Tuesday night by the County Council, exempts casino floors, the smoking lounges currently in operation at the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, and "drinking establishments" whose income from food is 25 percent or less of gross income.
The exemptions prompted some groups, including the American Cancer Society, to urge Dooley to veto the measure.
Dooley, a former smoker, said he recognizes that "this is not a perfect bill."
"But at the same time, I recognize as well that people should have the opportunity to vote on this important health issue."
ST. LOUIS -- Will St. Louis ever pass a smoking ban?
It looks increasingly unlikely, but, if it is to happen this year, the necessary action may come out of a hearing at City Hall today at 1 p.m.
Central West End Alderman Lyda Krewson has proposed a smoking ban that has been received as anti-business to some, and not strong enough to others.
The bill would ban indoor smoking at bars, restaurants and other places of business -- but if only St. Louis County approves similar legislation.
At a pair of hearings earlier this month, restaurateurs Joe Edwards and Kim Tucciapplauded the effort, while the American Cancer Society wants a bill with more teeth.
Even if the aldermanic Health Committee endorses the bill today, that's not a strong indication of overall support from the rest of the board.
And, even then, it would depend on the county, which is reticent to act. St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley - who has to worry about businesses competing not only with the city, but also St. Charles County -- has said that he prefers a statewide ban.
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