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City Council Lights Up Smoking Ban Debate Monday Night
A debate heard around the state two years ago when the state first enacted such a law will be before the Galesburg City Council once again Monday night.

Aldermen will discuss on final reading allowing local police to enforce the state's indoor smoking ban. City officials say in part, allowing police to enforce it instead of the Knox County Health Department would allow more of the fine money -- and the appeal process -- to stay in Galesburg, versus both of which going out of town now.

First Ward Alderman Ken Goad said last month he was in favor of making the ban as strict as possible -- in a way -- because it might keep bars from closing.

"I know of at least one of our local bars who's probably going to be closing strictly because the current system that we have...is not being followed evenly in every establishment," Goad said. "Therefore, those that are not allowing smoking -- they don't have a level playing field with the people who are allowing smoking. Consequently, they are losing business."

And it's that losing business that also has some saying the ban shouldn't be enforced at all.

But Goad says smoking is a public health issue, and it's up to the city to help keep people as healthy as possible.

The Galesburg City Council Monday night will also, among other things, honor this year's winners of the City's Landmark Commission Awards.

The Galesburg City Council convenes at 6:30pm Monday in council chambers at City Hall.
05 03 10 by Newsroom
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