Differences between Dooley, Slay could doom smoking ban
Slay, left, and Dooley
ST. LOUIS — Mayor Francis Slay and his counterpart across the county line are congenial political allies, rarely — if ever — openly sparring on a local issue.
But on the push for a regional indoor smoking ban, differences between the mayor and St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley appear to extinguish any hope of changes.
On Friday, Central West End Alderman Lyda Krewson introduced a bill that would ban smoking at bars and restaurants in the city — but only if the county passed a similar restriction.
The legislation is in line with what Slay — whose family has a deep history in the restaurant business — has said he would support. Slay believes that a regional ban would not place city businesses at risk of losing customers, an argument that seems to discount the potential of them gaining customers adverse to smoke.
Either way, in order for the mayor’s support to be meaningful, the county also has to embrace a smoking ban.
That does not appear likely.
Proponents of a smoking ban on the County Council do not appear to have the four votes required for approval. (Let alone the five needed to override an executive veto.)
A Dooley spokesman last week indicated the county executive does not support a local indoor smoking ban — even if the city does it first.
“What Charlies has said consistently is the only way it works is if its a statewide ban,” Dooley aide Mac Scott said.
And action in Jefferson City is what ultimately might force city bars and restaurants to go smoke-free — because waiting on the county doesn’t look like it will change much.
After the property tax bills come out later this month, what Charlie thinks won’t matter much. He’s toast.