South Bend council votes in favor of expanded smoking ban

The South Bend Common Council has voted in favor of an expanded smoking ban.

The council voted 6-3 Tuesday in favor of the expanded smoking ban in bars, taverns, casinos, private clubs and tobacco shops. The vote came after public testimony from current and former smokers, public health advocates, and bar, tavern and tobacco shop owners, among others.

The South Bend Tribune reports Mayor Pete Buttigieg promised Tuesday to sign the ban if it passed. Opponents are threatening legal action to reverse it, saying it leads to unfair competition among St. Joseph County taverns and bars and violates the state's constitution.