Ban would choke smoking in Indy bars

Lighting up in a bar could soon be a thing of the past in Marion County. The City-County Council will hear a proposal at Monday night's meeting that would ban smoking in all businesses next week.

The bi-partisan proposal would strengthen the current smoking ban ordinance in Marion County, which now only restricts businesses that allow customers under the age of 18.

"The proposal basically removes all exceptions except for private residences and company cars that only have one employee in the car at all times," said Councillor and co-author of the proposal, Angela Mansfield (D).

That means businesses like the Broad Ripple Tavern will have to move the smoking area outside.

"It won't single-out our bar," said manager Kurtis Hunn. "It's going to be everybody. So I don't think it'll affect business that much."

But the manager of the Egyptian Cafe and Hooka Bar, Ahmed Aly, thinks it will have a negative affect on his business.

Aly said he'll try to beef up his drink and food menu if the proposal passes. But in the end, he believes it has the potential to permanently shut his doors.

The proposal could go to the full council for a vote as early as October 26. If passed, the ban would be effective immediately. The Republican co-author of the proposal did not return calls from 24-Hour News 8.