Springfield City Council approves exemptions to city's smoking ban

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield City Council has agreed to exempt tobacco shops, cigar bars and private clubs from the city's new smoking ban.

The council voted Monday to also exempt bingo halls under some circumstances and allow electronic cigarettes and theatrical performances.

Springfield residents approved the ban in April 2011. Supporters had opposed the exemptions, while opponents of the ban said the council didn't go far enough.

Voters will vote on June 5 whether to repeal the ban after opponents successfully circulated a petition to put the issue on the ballot again.

^{Content enhanced with OpenCalais.}