City Council Passes Smoking Ban

City Council Passes Compromise Citywide Smoking Ban

Sponsor Michael Nutter struggled for two years to get the nine votes he needed for passage, and was finally able to do so by promising to amend his bill with exemptions for so-called “neighborhood” taverns — smaller bars which make their money primarily from liquor sales — and for outdoor cafés.
The mayor, who had previously indicated he had problems with the proposed legislation, did not immediately indicate whther he would sign the new bill into law.
If the mayor signs the bill, it will go into effect in January 2007.