City leaders in Farmington, Mo. have released a draft of a proposed smoking ban that voters will likely decide this November during general elections. But before it gets to that ballot, the city has scheduled a pair of public hearings as well as extended an invitation for the public to comment before the city council finalizes the wording. Following the hearing set for May 14 and June 11, it is expected the council will take action on it in July, setting it up to be on the November 3rd ballot. The current proposal calls for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and places of employment, though cigar bars that do not prepare food would be one of a handful of exceptions, along with private clubs, up to 20% of a hotel or motel’s rooms and government-owned buildings used solely for governmental purposes. Outdoor dining areas at restaurants and bars are also excluded from the proposed ban. The ban would also prohibit smoking within 15 feet of entrances to public buildings and 25 feet of government buildings. Should voters approval the final ordinance, the new law would go into effect on January 1, 2016. Farmington is located approximately 60 ...
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