City council votes against smoking ban

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - UPDATE: 12:53 p.m. The Mobile City Council has voted against a proposed smoking ban.

12:11 p.m. The Mobile City Council is poised to vote on a smoking ban for the city at their regular meeting on Tuesday.

There are two ordinances that could affect smokers in Mobile. One would ban smoking at all public places while the other would allow private clubs to decide whether to allow smoking.

RELATED: Officials consider public smoking ban

The city council chamber is packed with people to hear the argument. The first speaker who addressed the council was opposed to the ban.

The second speaker also said people have a choice not to visit places that allow smoking and that "common sense should prevail in the choices we make."

The man said banning smoking at bars and clubs would have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry.

Last Tuesday, Mobile County's Health Director smoke out against smoking. Dr. Bert Eichold encouraged city council members to pass a comprehensive ban on smoking.

FOX10 News Reporter April Douglas was in the meeting will have more on this story beginning at 4 p.m.