Columbus to discuss new smoking ordinance

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) - The Columbus City Council appears ready to create an ordinance that would prohibit smoking in bars, taverns and private clubs. The issue will be discussed at Tuesday's Columbus City Council meeting.

Our partners at the Republic say the topic has enough support among the seven members to win approval.

The council considered a compromise earlier this month that would have allowed private clubs to follow the current state law, which already requires them to have separate smoking areas and separate ventilation systems for smoking and non-smoking areas. The compromise also would have allowed bars that permit smoking to continue that practice, as long as ownership and the location didn't change. All new bars would have been required to be smoke-free.

Ultimately, concern for the health of residents prevailed and the compromise was not passed.

If approved, the new policy would begin June 1.