Gadsden council to take second look at proposed smoking ordinance

The Gadsden city council has decided to take a second look at a proposed smoking ban before making their final vote.  The council held a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday, which would ban smoking in nearly all public places including private businesses. The exceptions would be establishments whose businesses centers mostly around tobacco sales, like cigar bars and tobacco shops. Smoking would also be prohibited within 20 feet of building entrances.  Business owners complained the ban would impose restrictions inside their businesses, infringe on property rights and cost them customers.  Councilor Ben Reed heads the council's public safety committee. He said they may make changes to the proposed ordinance before they vote, including the distance someone can smoke from a building entrance.