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City Council met this morning and discussed a proposed smoking amendment. If council members approve the amendment, cigar bars would have to show their business generates at least 35% of its annual gross income from cigars, tobacco products and other smoking materials.

Citizens and a lawyer on behalf of the Tobacco Merchant spoke about the proposed amendment to the city smoking ban. City council members voiced concern that allowing this exception would "open a door" allowing other establishments to take advantage of what could be considered a loophole. A month ago, City Council was ready to take The Tobacco Merchant to court for violating the ban, which was the first in the Midlands. Tobacco Merchant's Attorney Darryl Smalls countered, saying that the city had approved the selling of alcohol back in June.

Council spoke with city planners to try to determine what sort of profits this change would allow for the city in increased small business revenues before going into executive session to discuss the matter.  WACH FOX will keep you posted if and when they make a decision on the matter.