By Jaci Schneider, Staff Writer

The Abilene City Council recently tabled a proposed city-wide smoking ban that would potentially ban smoking in all public areas.

Students David Chisholm and Aaron Winn both said they like to smoke on occasion. Although the possibility of a smoking ban in Abilene would not affect their smoking habits, both say they are against the ban.

Winn, a sophomore English major from Houston, said he signed a petition against the ban while in a local smoke shop, The Leaf.

“I don’t really smoke that much,” Winn said. “But I think the ban would be a huge inconvenience for people who smoke more often.”

Sarah Sheets, sophomore nursing major from Muleshoe, said she was indifferent about the ban.

“I wouldn’t be upset if the ban passes because I think people have a right to clean air,” she said. “But I also think that people have a right to smoke if they want to. Maybe the city could come up with some alternative, like stricter rules about smoking sections.”

The council is expected to reexamine the issue by mid-March.