A proposal to outlaw indoor smoking in all public places inSt. Louis County may go before voters as early as November.
St. Louis County Councilwoman Barbara Fraser, D-University City, requested onMonday that the county counselor draw up legislation for a ban that wouldmirror one that Clayton enacted last week.
The smoking issue could go before a vote of the St. Louis County Council asearly as tonight.
"I think a ban would be great for the county, and the timing is good," Frasersaid. "For some time now, I have been hearing from many municipalities, andparticularly from my constituents, that they want the county to take the bullby the horns on this issue."
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley opposed the last smoking banordinance, which the council rejected in 2006. His spokesman, Mac Scott, saidDooley's feelings on the issue remain the same.
"Charlie thinks that if there's going to be a smoking ban, it should bestatewide," Scott said.
Fraser said she has the council's backing for her proposal.
"I feel good about support on the council for a referendum that would put thison the ballot," said Fraser. "But that would be the only way that it would getthe necessary votes on the council."
County Council Chairwoman Hazel Erby, D-University City, said her position onthe vote will depend "on what the bill looks like." |
