Mayor Jim O'Neal plans to introduce an ordinance later this month, and he expects it to pass. Springfield-Greene County Health Director Kevin Gipson says all businesses would be smoke free this time around.

 The current smoking ban has numerous exemptions including retail stores (including Just For Him) and bars. 61 exempt Bars are currently classified by the percentage of alcohol served. The proposed amendment would remove all of these exemptions by disallowing smoking at any place of business.

 As citizens and business owners, this ban obviously concerns us on a personal and business level. Professionally, we would no longer be able to sample new cigars as they enter the store or create new pipe tobacco blends in our store. As a business, we currently have frequent events (many in support of local charities) that include smoking. We exist largely because local business people can come in before or after work and relax while enjoying a pipe or cigar while talking with friends. For some of our customers, important business decisions and contacts are made in our store.

 Personally, we believe that intelligent, responsible, legal adults should be able to make their own decisions about where they spend their time and money. All of this would be in jeopardy if this ban goes through. This would also affect many of our favorite local businesses such as the cigar bar above Bijan’s, The Red Room in Flame, Skybox Grill & Lounge, Fox & Hound and The Albatross Hookah Lounge.

 Springfield currently supports choice in businesses. For example, Nathan P. Murphy’s is a local, smoke free bar. Most retail stores carry no smoking signs on their door. Removing this choice second guesses both the business owner and consumer.

 A public hearing on this proposal will take place at the June 28th city council meeting and a vote could occur as soon as July 12th.  If you are a Springfield resident we strongly suggest contacting your city council person and attending the June 28th council meeting.

 You can find the contact information of your local Springfield City Council Representative at the following link:  http://gismaps.springfieldmo.gov/councilzone/