Omaha’s mayor Mike Fahey said he will sign a smoking ban for the city.
Fahey announced his decision during a news conference. He said he believes in a total smoking ban, but said it would not be practical at this time.
Fahey also said that a smoking ban is the best way to protect Omahans from secondhand smoke.
“(The) people of Omaha deserve a smoke-free environment and this legislation is the best available tool to get us there,” Fahey said.
The ordinance passed by the City Council on Tuesday would take affect in October, when all businesses, except tobacco-only retailers will have to be smoke free.
On Thursday, Fahey said the ordinance is for the “greater good” of Omaha.
The ordinance passed Tuesday provides a five-year exemption for stand-alone bars, businesses that offer keno, and Horsemen’s Park.
Smokers ticketed by police would be fined $100 for their first offense, $200 for the second offense and $500 for a third offense.
The business owners would get a warning the first time someone lit up a cigarette in their establishment. Then the fines advance for subsequent offenses.
