The proposal made by Citizens for a Healthy Mankato wouldn't affect patrons' ability to smoke at bars or other recreational facilities such as bowling alleys and pool halls, but it will target any establishments that derive 60 percent of revenues from food sales.
Members say they fully expect most other workplaces are already smoke-free.
A new city ordinance would take several months to implement. We want to educate the public about the dangers of second-hand smoke. I think Mankato identifies itself as a healthy community. If you're a healthy community, you ought to be taking steps to be healthier. As an exercise physiologist at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital, he said he often sees the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke.