Kokomo council rejects ban on smoking in bars

KOKOMO, Ind. - The Kokomo City Council has rejected a proposal to ban smoking inside bars and social clubs.

Council members voted 5-4 Monday night to defeat the proposed ordinance after one councilman who voted to support it last month switched his vote.

A crowd packed the seats and nearly all available standing room inside the meeting room, with supporters and opponents speaking for more than an hour. Opponents of the ban cheered after the council's vote.

Bert & John's Tavern owner Dave Mumaw tells The Kokomo Tribune he believes he would've gone out of business under the tougher smoking ban.

Indianapolis and Fort Wayne are among cities that go further than state law to prohibit smoking inside bars. The South Bend City Council rejected such a ban in July.