Council approves ban on smoking

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An almost unanimous D.C. Council yesterday passed a ban on smoking in nearly all public places in the District.

In a 12-1 vote, the council approved the first reading of a bill that would require the dining areas of city restaurants to be smoke-free when the ban becomes law. Bars and clubs would be required to be smoke-free by Jan. 1, 2007.

Council member Carol Schwartz, at-large Republican, voted against the bill, which will receive a second reading next month.

Mayor Anthony A. Williams said yesterday that he did not know whether he would sign the legislation.

"I need to look at it," said Mr. Williams, a Democrat. "I really fear the economic detriment here to our city."

Earlier this week, the mayor said he opposes a 100 percent smoking ban because it would hurt small local establishments.

Under the legislation, establishments could apply for waivers if the ban reduces their overall sales by 25 percent or more.

In addition, bars and nightclubs would be required to install ventilation equipment or create separate smoking rooms for customers.

Smoking would be allowed in cigar bars, outdoor dining and club areas, retail tobacco outlets, hotel rooms and certain medical treatment or research institutions.

"What passed is a very good first step," said Angela Bradbery, a co-founder of Smokefree D.C. "It's very comprehensive, and that is good.