Smoking-ban debate draws a vocal crowd

The Clarion-Ledger, 1/23/8

A standing-room-only crowd at City Hall – many wearing bright blue “Smoke-Free Jackson” T-shirts – championed opposing sides of a smoking-ban debate Tuesday during a public hearing on proposed changes to a city ordinance.

The proposed changes to the smoke-free ordinance would prohibit smoking in all Jackson bars and restaurants.

At least 15 Mississippi cities have made their local restaurants and bars smoke-free, including Aberdeen, Amory, Corinth, Flora, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Kosciusko, Mantachie, Mayersville, Metcalf, Oxford, Ridgeland, Starkville and Tupelo.