Casper residents will be allowed to smoke in bars and private clubs again as early as next week.
The Casper City Council on Tuesday repealed the smoking ban for adult establishments on a 5-4 vote, with Mayor Kenyne Schlager and council members Paul Meyer, Craig Hedquist and Charlie Powell voting to maintain the existing restrictions.
The amended ordinance will take effect upon the ordinance’s publication, which is expected by the end of next week.
“Most people in this town will not even notice the changes,” said Councilman Keith Goodenough, who voted in favor of the change.
Goodenough and fellow council members who supported weakening the ordinance said the ban affected only a few bars and private clubs in Casper. A number of those businesses requested the council reconsider the public smoking ban after experiencing competition from establishments in neighboring communities.
Local businessman Pat Sweeney, who led last year’s failed referendum effort against the smoking ban, requested City Council allow the changes to go into effect sooner rather than later.
“The percentage of folks this will actually affect is a very small percentage of the population in Casper,” he said.
One option under consideration was delaying the repeal date until Aug. 7, which could then be suspended until an election, if a petition drive to force a referendum on the issue is successful.Sweeney said the extra time would allow for the businesses to show how the repeal has brought money and patrons back.
That idea failed.
SmokeFree Natrona County and the Wyoming Medical Center have already scheduled a referendum rally at noon for June 28 at Conwell Park. If they collect enough signatures, the repeal must be suspended under law.
The organizations have 20 days to collect about 2,500 signatures, and City Attorney Bill Luben said the election must then be held in 60 days. The date would coincide with the school year, which is expected to save the city money.
Former Councilwoman Kim Holloway, who is co-leader of the “Keep Casper Smoke Free” referendum effort, said advocates will be collecting signatures at area grocery stores and public events.
Originally written By Kelly Byer
