Critics to seek repeal of Springfield smoking ban

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- After the Springfield City Council refused to consider any changes to the city's new smoking ban, opponents said they would start a campaign to repeal the ordinance.

Council members were expected to discuss several possible amendments to the 6-month-old ban on Tuesday. But the meeting was quickly adjourned after Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky said she would oppose any changes. Because the ordinance was passed as part of an initiative petition, any changes would need unanimous support from the council.

The Springfield News-Leader reports (http://sgfnow.co/rUTAkI ) that a group of opponents called Live Free Springfield on Tuesday submitted a draft of a petition to repeal the ban to the city's legal staff. The group plans to gather 2,101 signatures to force a vote on the repeal.