News 12 at 11 o'clock / Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- A plan to ban smoking in public places went up in smoke Tuesday. The Augusta Commission rejected a new tougher smoking ordinance.

It would have banned smoking in public places like parks, restaurants and bars. Local business owners voiced their opposition to the plan in several recent town hall meetings. They insisted the move would force small bars to close.

"I've heard that whine before and it has never happened," said Commissioner Jerry Brigham before the vote. "I think it is the thing we need to do to make the community more healthy."

Brigham admits he is not a picture of health, but he says it's time promote a healthier city.

"I'm fat. I know," Brigham said. "So maybe the next thing after I'm gone they will do the food patrol police."

In the end, commissioners suggested removing a more severe call to ban smoking in cars with children under 16 in hopes of salvaging the controversial ordinance.

"And obviously they still weren't willing to protect workers from secondhand smoke," said Eric Bailey with the American Cancer Society. "We're disappointed. There are no safe levels of secondhand smoke. We have to continue our efforts to make sure that we protect workers. So you could easily see this back up for a vote very soon we hope."

Local smoker Chris Lemmons said he was sour on the plan to ban smoking in public places.

"Every pack of cigarettes I buy pays into the government because they tax them," he said. "But then they tell me I can't smoke them where I want to. It doesn't really mesh."

Lemmons has a message for city leaders.

"I elect you," he said. "You speak for me. I smoke cigarettes."