Mayor signs tougher public smoking ordinance

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard signed an ordinance Thursday that puts more limits on public smoking in the city.

The ordinance, which takes effect at 6 a.m. on June 1, expands existing citywide restrictions against indoor public smoking to include bowling alleys, hotel rooms and most bars. Tobacco shops, hookah bars, existing not-for-profit private clubs and downtown's off-track betting parlor are exempt from the ban.

The ordinance does not include Speedway, Lawrence, Beech Grove or Southport.

The City-County Council voted 20-9 Monday night to send the proposal to the mayor, who had vetoed a previous attempt at a tougher smoking ban in February.