Group opposing smoking ban seeks Nov. 2 vote on repeal

COLUMBUS (AP) -- Opponents of a new citywide smoking ban filed petitions containing 14,736 signatures Wednesday calling for a vote on repeal of the ordinance on the Nov. 2 ballot.
The Franklin County Board of Elections now must verify that at least 4,991 signatures are of Columbus registered voters.
If the petitions have enough valid signatures, city council must decide by Aug. 19 whether to repeal the ban or put it before voters.
City council approved the smoking ban June 28. The ban applies to most public places, including restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and bingo halls.
Opposition to the smoking ban was organized by a group called Can the Ban. Spokesman Jacob Evans said he believes voters will overturn the ban.
But Councilwoman Charleta Tavares, who led the council's push for the ban, said she believes voters will support it.
Without the referendum, the ban would have taken effect Sept. 26. If voters choose to keep the ban, the city may not be able to enforce it until 90 days after the vote is certified, City Attorney Richard Pfeiffer Jr. said.