City leaders, the local Tavern League and bar owners are speaking out about making Eau Claire smoke free.

We first told you Thursday, that the city is considering an ordinance to ban smoking in all public places and some areas outside.

The big debate is public health versus taverns losing customers and possible going out of business.

"We're talking work places where people are exposed to second hand smoke. You're going to see an overwhelming public response saying 'yes, it's time,’” says City Councilman Dave Duax, who cosponsored the ordinance.

"When you look at other cities with similar bans, it has hurt businesses,” says Sally Jo Birtzer
with the Eau Claire City County Tavern League. “In Madison, 30 bars went out of business. In Appleton, 14 did. That's a huge economic impact.

We talked to several bar owners, managers and bartenders in the past of couple days. Many are against the ban. But several say going smoke free is a good thing.

It's a ban Steve Hanson, the owner of Wagner's Lanes says will have his customers moving elsewhere.

"We'll lose business. It's a proven fact," Hanson says.

He says half his bar is already smoke free and that's his choice. But, he says his customers also have a choice.

"If they come in and it's too smoky, they'll go somewhere else," Hanson says.

Somewhere else, like Dooley's Pub, where smoking is off-limits.

"They really caught onto it, and it has helped business in the last couple years," says Owner Mike Dooley.

Dooley says as a business owner, saying no to smokes was his choice.

"I’m not a smoker and if I’m going to be here everyday for the rest of my life, I prefer to be in a non-smoking environment," he says.

But, that doesn't mean he thinks all bars should ban smoking.

“I don't think the city should force businesses to do it. It should be done on their own free will,” Dooley says.

The proposal will be introduced at Monday’s city council meeting. Councilman Duax says he hopes the ban is approved by the end of this month.

But, before the council can vote on the ordinance it will have to schedule a public hearing where anyone can speak up for or against the ban.

To read the full ordinance click on the link below.