Smoking ban to go to Hannibal voters

HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) - A proposal to ban indoor smoking in public places in Hannibal will go to voters in April.

The Hannibal Courier-Post reports that the city council voted 5-2 Tuesday to place the smoking ban on the ballot.

Councilman Richard Draper, who is also a physician, says the proposal promotes public health against the threat of second-hand smoke. But Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Knickerbocker opposed the measure, saying the ban would infringe on the property rights of individuals.

Several Missouri communities have instituted smoking bans in recent years, including St. Louis, O'Fallon and Kirksville.

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Information from: Hannibal Courier-Post, http://www.hannibal.net