Indy Democrats snuff out tougher smoking ban

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis City-County Council committee has snuffed out a stricter smoking ban for the city.

WRTV-TV reports the vote Tuesday night’ fell along party lines, with all six Democrats voting against sending the measure to the full council.

The Republican-introduced proposal would have banned smoking at all Indianapolis businesses except cigar and hookah bars, tobacco retailers and nonprofit private clubs. The proposal received support from Republican Mayor Greg Ballard, some anti-smoking activists and a group of Indianapolis bar owners but some Democrats argued the measure didn’t go far enough.

Supporters had been hoping to have the new rules in place in time for the Super Bowl.