An impassioned discussion of a proposed smoking ban ordinance dominated Monday night’s DeKalb City Council meeting. City staff were looking for council direction on specific details of the ordinance. The ban would prohibit smoking indoors in public areas but private clubs would be exempt. A potential compromise would ban smoking in all public areas except bars. The ordinance will come before the council for a first reading Feb. 13.

What city council members said about the proposed smoking ban:

Mayor Frank Van Buer – “We should not struggle with this. Are you going to decide the health of someone who works in a class A liquor establishment is less important?”

-1st Ward Alderman Karega Harris – “If you are at the age to drink, you should be allowed to smoke if you choose.”

-2nd Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen – “Studies show this will not hurt business; a high standard should be set for the community.”

-3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan – “I’m supportive of a ban on restaurants, yet I have apprehension about how to handle bars and I do not yet know how I will.”

-4th Council Member Donna Gorski – “I have not struggled with this one. As long as smoking is legal, people should have a place to smoke.”

-5th Ward Alderman Pat Conboy – “I understand the employees and owners are at risk. I’m concerned with the impact on small class A establishments.”

6th Ward Alderman Dave Baker – “I’ve been waiting since I was elected five years ago to act on this issue. I will not sway short of an all out ban.”

-7th Ward Alderman James Barr – Did not reveal his position. He proposed the ordinance be placed on the Feb. 13 agenda so amendments could be made at that time.