13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Indianapolis mayor would veto expanded smoking ban

Indianapolis mayor would veto expanded smoking ban

Mary Milz/Eyewitness News

Marion County - The Indianapolis mayor is now taking a stand against a new smoking ban.

Mayor Greg Ballard appeared on Eyewitness News Sunrise saying he'll veto a ban if it's passed by the City-County Council.

When asked if he would veto the ban, Ballard responded, "Depending on what the version is, but any version that I think they're currently contemplating right now, yes."

Ballard says he's concerned an expanded smoking ban could hurt some small businesses. He says he doesn't like any of the current proposals.

The City-County Council did not have the votes to pass an expanded smoking ban last month. The expanded ban would have prohibited smoking in bowling alleys, bars and private clubs. The proposal sparked a fiery debate from both sides.

The council voted to table the ban. Two councilors abstained from voting, citing conflicts of interest.

Democratic councilor Angela Mansfield, one of the sponsors of the plan, said of Ballard, "That's the first time I've heard him say he'd veto anything. That was alarming when we heard this."

Mansfield said she was also frustrated to hear the mayor said he had only talked to sponsors "recently."

"He's never met with us," she said. "We asked him to and he refused."

Mansfield said the threat of veto wouldn't deter her and other sponsors. They plan to bring it back for a vote November 30th, probably amending it to exclude private clubs and tobacco shops.

Tim Filler is with Smoke Free Indy. "We've seen his position can evolve as indicated by the previous change in position so we're hoping he has time to reflect on this," said Filler.

A spokesperson for the mayor called that very unlikely. He said the mayor was firm in his position opposing any expansion of the current ban.