KTKA

Topekans are stating their case for or against a city-wide smoking ban to the city council at a forum Monday night.

The hearing starts at 5:30 p.m. and what the community has to say could determine how council members vote Tuesday night.

"Recognize your responsibilities and go with the health of your contingencies and vote the way 80 percent of your people want you to vote," says Allan Thomas. Thomas supports the ban.

"It's the appearance of some members of the council are attempting to micro-manage how business is conducted in Topeka," says Andrew Gray, a resident against the ban.

Council member Karen Hiller says what Gray suggests is not the case.

She says the issue of a smoking ban comes down to three categories: public and individual health, rights of business owners and individuals, and economic development.

Hiller says, "For me you also look at, well if there's somebody's rights who'll be changed by this, is there some way we can soften that blow?"

She also says the ordinance allows every business to have outdoor smoking space, but in the end the goal is to do what's best for the community.

And as the public discussion comes to a close, Hiller says it's time for the council to vote.

"Are you afraid the council will make a wrong decision? I hope not. I mean we have to make the best decision we can as long as everyone that's voting is taking the time to be fully informed," says Hiller.

The council decides on the ban at their 6 p.m. meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 29. If they pass the ordinance, the ban goes into effect in 60 days. Topekans will have one last chance to speak about the smoking ban tomorrow night during the city council meeting.

Read the full agenda at http://public.agenda.topeka.org. The smoking ban can be found under section 5B.