ST. LOUIS – Alderman Gregory Carter extinguished on Thursday any hopes of City Hall acting on a smoking ban proposal this summer.

After taking testimony at a third crowded hearing, Carter, chair of the aldermanic Health Committee, postponed voting on the measure until after the board returns from its summer break in September.

The delay comes amid further questioning from tavern owners and aldermen about the effect a smoking prohibition would have on small businesses. Several also pointed to a recent amendment to the plan -– allowing smoking on casino floors –- as unfair.

Carter insists the proposal is not dead, But the extra time will, he said, let aldermen craft a bill that would be more palatable to both sides of the issue.

“You can’t shove this down the throats of individuals in the city,” Carter said.

The bill, which would outlaw smoking in restaurants and most other indoor businesses, would only go  into effect if St. Louis County passes similar legislation.

First, though, it would have to pass the Health Committee and then the full Board of Aldermen.