ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) - Smoking opponents in St. Charles County are back to the drawing board now that the county council has rejected a measure that would have given voters an opportunity to decide on a countywide smoking ban.
The proposal to place on the ballot a law banning smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces failed Monday when the council deadlocked 3-3.
Sponsor Joe Cronin says the rejection will likely prompt smoking opponents to begin a petition drive to put the measure on the November 2012 ballot.
Councilwoman Nancy Matheny says she voted no because she worried that some businesses such as bars would be at a competitive disadvantage with similar businesses in St. Louis County.