Gadsden passes new smoking ordinance

Starting January 1st, smokers in Gadsden will have fewer places where they can legally light up. The Gadsden City Council today passed a heavily-debated ordinance that effectively bans smoking in all public places in the city.  The only exemptions granted in the new law are for cigar bars and retail tobacco stores.  The ordinance also prohibits smoking in enclosed areas of all places of employment in the city and within 20 feet of public entrances to buildings and businesses.  The measure was passed on a 4 to 1 vote with Councilman Bill Stewart casting the single *NO* vote.  Council President Bob Echols abstained and Councilman Johnny Cannon was absent from the meeting.  Council members stressed that the new law *does not* have any effect on what you can do in your own private home or vehicle.