The Ketchikan, Alaska City Council said no to a proposed smoking ban at their meeting on Thursday, with the argument that businesses should be able to choose whether or not to allow smoking trumping the arguments made for health concerns. The proposal was raised by Council Member Marty West, who proposed a similar ban in 2004. West said that she had received several requests from members of the community who wanted to see a ban implemented, and while there was not supposed to be a vote on the matter, it was quickly dismissed after discussion with local business owners. West also suggested the matter be put to voters in the upcoming October election, but that too was voted down by the council, according to KRBD.org. Ketchikan is the fifth largest city in the state, home to approximately 8,250 residents.
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