Officials in Middlesboro have passed a ban on smoking in public places.
The City Council approved the ordinance at their meeting Tuesday night, but not without an objection. Councilman Gary Mills said he was voting against the ban because he doesn't think government should intrude on the rights of private business owners. All other council members who attended the meeting voted in favor of the ban.
The proposal originated as a request from a group of Middlesboro Elementary School students. The students sought an ordinance that would ban smoking in all public places. Their presentation to the City Council in March included a petition with more than 400 signatures and information about the health effects of smoking.