Probable Changes to Smoking Ban in Springfield City

It has been seven months since Springfield voters banned smoking in public, five months since the law kicked in, and city leaders are already being urged to make changes.

Opponents of the measure have been writing, calling, and emailing city council members urging them to modify the law.

At Tuesday afternoon’s luncheon, council members will begin discussing a handful of possible changes to the smoking ban.

They will, for instance, consider exemptions for theatrical productions, veterans organizations, some tobacco shops and cigar bars.

Any change or repeal, though, could only happen by a unanimous vote.

“It’s the power of one. If one person is opposed to it, it’s a veto,” explained Dan Wichmer, Springfield’s city attorney.

Council members will even discuss a complete repeal of the ordinance, which is a move a lot of bar owners are pushing for.

“We are concerned, this is our livelihood, this is what we do. It’s important that they understand that they’re taking that away from us,” said Jim Knight, owner of Knightyme Bar and Billiards.

If council does not vote to modify or repeal the smoking ban, constituents can try to repeal the measure through an initiative petition drive.

They would need to collect about 2,100 signatures to get the measure on a ballot.