DeKalb smoking ban still begins Sept. 1

DeKALB - Despite a plea from area tavern owners to delay the date on which they have to start abiding by the city's smoking ban, the DeKalb City Council decided Monday to keep the Sept. 1 implementation date. With only two council members supporting an extension, bar owners will have to go smoke-free after the end of this month. DeKalb restaurants had to implement the ban Sept. 1, 2006. The council passed the ban Feb. 27, 2006. A statewide ban goes into effect Jan. 1. Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen and 4th Ward Alderwoman Donna Gorski voted in favor of the extension, but 1st Ward Alderman Bertrand Simpson, 7th Ward Alderman Brent Keller, 2nd Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen and 5th Ward Alderman Ron Naylor voted against the delay. Sixth Ward Al