By Laura Spencer
KANSAS CITY, MO – An organization called Breathe Easy KC kicked off its campaign on Tuesday to support the smoking ban on the April ballot in Kansas City, Missouri. The proposal would prohibit smoking from enclosed workspaces and public places, like bars and restaurants. Former City Councilman and Mayor ProTem (and Breathe Easy KC Co-Chair) Alvin Brooks says he was on the council in 2004 when a previous smoking ordinance was approved.
"And we delayed it until other communities in Kansas City came on and now we're here and I'm hopeful that our citizens will pass this initiative come the 8th of April," Brooks said.
Members of the K Kansas City Business Rights Coalition like Kim Moffit of Twin City Tavern oppose the ban and say it could put small business owners out of work.
"It will be devastating to the Kansas City local business owners if this ban goes into effect," Moffit said.
The measure Kansas City voters will consider in April would also extend the smoking ban to tobacco stores and pool halls. But it would allow smoking on casino floors and on the concourses of the Truman Sports Complex.