After being lobbied by public health professionals and experts from the University of Michigan, the Ann Arbor City Council has agreed to a second reading of a proposed smoking ban that would include bus stops, parks and entrances to public buildings.

Despite a council divided on the matter, they voted 8-3 in favor of a second reading and public hearing at their April 21 meeting, which could also be the time they decide to pass the ordinance. MLive.com reported that numerous concerns were brought up about the ordinance, such as the effectiveness of putting police resources toward enforcement, that it would be an overreach of government and that it would unfairly target low-income citizens.

Violations of the ordinance could carry fines of up to $50 or community service, which would be determined by a judge.

Ann Arbor is the fifth largest city in Michigan with a 2012 population estimate of 116,121 people. It is also home to the University of Michigan.

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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.