Kokomo Residents Still Able To Light Up In Bars, Private Clubs

Kokomo residents will still be able to light up in bars and private clubs. The Common Council shot down a controversial smoking ban Monday that would have been stricter than the state’s.

The 5-4 vote came as a surprise.

For more than an hour Monday night, supporters and opponents debated whether Kokomo’s city council should adopt an all-inclusive smoking ban.

The council approved a first reading of the bill in August, but when it came time for a final vote, Councilman Kevin Summers changed his mind and voted against the proposal, causing the ban to be defeated.

Owner of Bert & John’s Tavern David Mumaw says he’s glad the councilman listened to bar owners’ concerns. 

"In my heart, I am positive that I would have went out of business over this," Mumaw said. "Completely closed down. I think that it would have completely closed me down."

Breathe Easy of Howard County Spokesman Mitchell Gauger says the vote caught them off guard.
He argues smoking is a public health issue the city needs to address. 

"This ordinance, all it asks is that smokers step outside to smoke their cigarettes before going back into that establishment," Gauger said. "That simple step creates a smoke-free environment for every worker, every customer and every citizen in Kokomo, and we really don’t think that’s too much to ask."

Gauger says he still sees an all-encompassing smoking ban in Kokomo’s future and expects one will eventually pass at the state level.