By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – The St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed a resolution Friday that prohibits smoking in all city buildings. Mayor Francis Slay plans on signing the bill, which will set up designated outdoor smoking areas.
Alderman Freeman Bosley Sr. pushed for the ban, which he says is long overdue.
"We have been working on, ever since 1978, some way of being able to address the need of those persons who have respiratory illnesses that have to come to City Hall," Bosley said.
Alderman Kenneth Ortmann was not among the 18 "yes" votes. He says buildings like City Hall should keep their current smoking spots.
"I just think we could have treated the people that work here a little bit better and given them a designated area," Ortmann said.
The ban does not include Lambert Airport, which has ventilated indoor smoking lounges. The measure will go into effect 90 days after it receives the Mayor's signature.