The latest round of a heated debate over a smoking ban in Kokomo, Ind. resulted in a win for smokers, as the Common Council failed to adopt the proposed ban at its second reading. If passed, smoking would have been banned in bars, taverns, private and social clubs and retail tobacco stores. It not only applied to traditional tobacco products, but also e-cigarettes. According to The Kokomo Tribune, the bill failed 5-4, which was the same margin it passed the Common Council in late August. Councilman Kevin Summers was the deciding vote, originally voting for the measure in August but voting against it tonight. The proposed ban itself has been highly controversial. Around 50 people were reported outside protesting the proposed measure, while more than 20 formally spoke in front of the Common Council. Kokomo has a population of around 60,000 residents and is located within Howard County in central Indiana.
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