As of Jan. 2, Creve Coeur will join cities like Ballwin, Brentwood, Clayton and Kirkwood that now have a smoking ban tougher than that of St. Louis County.

The county's ban also will go into effect Jan. 2.

However, because of concern from some residents, the city's new law will grandfather in existing private clubs, like the Creve Coeur American Legion.

Creve Coeur's City Council Nov. 8 approved the ban, which covers all public places, except parks, and places of employment.

Unlike St. Louis County's law, Creve Coeur's will cover casinos, small bars, and assisted living facilities.

However, it also exempts, in addition to existing private clubs, up to 20 percent of hotel/motel rooms.

The law does not forbid people from smoking in their own homes, said Councilwoman Beth Kistner, who sponsored the law and wanted to close what she called loopholes in the county's law.

"I think any law that has multiple exceptions is inherently harder to enforce and inherently unfair," Kistner said. "From that standpoint, this makes a better law and lets Creve Coeur really stand behind the health of its citizens and employees here, protecting them from second hand smoke. I hope Missouri will begin to understand the high degree of public support for these laws."

While none of the council members attending the meeting voted against the measure, Councilwoman Jeanne Rhoades, unable to attend, sent a letter that, while supporting the ban in general, opposed it for private clubs and for the outside areas at restaurants and bars.

"My personal preference would be for smoking bans to be uniform throughout St. Louis County, rather than piecemeal restrictions imposed by individual municipalities such as Creve Coeur," Rhoades wrote.

"I believe this not only help maintain a level playing field for small business owners (particularly bars and pubs), but it also helps avoid confusion among the public, in understanding precisely where smoking is either banned or allowed," she stated.