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​A bill that would allow residents of St. Louis County to vote on an indoor smoking ban, was again debated at a County Council meeting last night but did not move any closer to a vote.

Action was delayed after council members and the public did not receive copies of the proposed legislation until after last night's meeting already began. Clouding the issue even more is that the bill now contains two separate provisions. One would exempt from the ban casinos and bars that earn 75 percent or more of their sales from alcohol. The other version of the bill would ban smoking in nearly all businesses except for private clubs.

The exemption for casinos and certain bars worries some supporters of the bill who believe the county's ban must reflect those bans passed and/or under consideration in other areas of metro St. Louis.

The council will again consider the smoking ban at next Tuesday night's meeting.