Murray approves public smoking ban ordinance

Murray City Council approved a public smoking ban Thursday night that goes farther than ordinances in Hopkinsville and many other Kentucky cities.

Councilman Wesley Bolin supported the ordinance and says the ban protects customers entering and exiting businesses from being exposed to second hand smoke.

Bolin believes the smoking ban will make Murray a healthier community.

A couple restaurant owners expressed their fears to city council that the ordinance will hurt their businesses, but Councilman Bolin says research shows that won’t be the case.

The ordinance that passed on an 8-to-2 vote will take effect in 90 days to allow restaurants ample time to come into compliance.