Debate delayed on indoor smoking ban

City will hold two hearings on plan for public areas in a few weeks

By JASON RYAN

jpryan@thestate.com

Public debate on a proposed citywide smoking ban was delayed for three weeks on Wednesday when the Columbia City Council scheduled two public hearings — one later this month and another in October.

Residents can speak to the council on Sept. 27 or Oct. 4 to discuss banning smoking in indoor public areas, including restaurants and bars.

Anticipating a debate on Wednesday, members of Smoke Free Columbia lined a back wall during Wednesday’s council meeting, while restaurant owners opposed to the ban sat a few feet away.

But Mayor Bob Coble asked supporters and opponents to hold their comments and review a proposed ordinance in the next few weeks before the hearings.

Some still spoke afterward.

“It’d be very positive for the environment, positive for people’s lungs, positive for the economy,” said Amanda Strickland, a regional special events manager for the American Lung Association.

Brian Glynn, owner of Village Idiot Pizza and Pub in Five Points, said the city doesn’t need to make any more rules for small businesses — and wondered what would be next.

“Are they going to tell me I have to use part-skim (cheese) on my pizza?”

Reach Ryan at (803) 771-8595.