On June 6, 2006, the Omaha Smoke-Free Ordinance was introduced by Councilmen Franklin Thompson and Jim Suttle
Before the June 13, 2006 City Council meeting, an “Amendment of the Whole” to replace the entire original ordinance was introduced by Councilmen Franklin Thompson and Chuck Sigerson. This amendment makes almost all businesses in Omaha smoke free. Exemptions include: businesses that primarily sell tobacco, no more than 20% of hotel and motel rooms, stand-alone bars, and restaurants that have applied for a Keno license before June 8, 2006, and .
An amendment was made by Councilman Frank Brown to expand the original exemptions to also allow smoking in all businesses that have a Bingo or Pickle Card license.
On June 13, 2006, the Omaha City Council held a Public Hearing. The video of that hearing may be seen by clicking here: public hearing video. The testimony begins at the 30:42 minute mark. The video is 32.4 MB. RealMedia Player required.
On June 20, 2006, the Omaha Smoke-Free Ordinance #37412 was passed as amended by the Amendment of the Whole. The vote was:
6 Yeas: Gernandt, Sigerson, Suttle, Thompson, Vokal, Brown
1 Nay: Welch
After the vote, Councilman Frank Brown indicated his intention to ask for a reconsideration vote at the next City Council meeting in July.
On June 30, 2006, Mayor Mike Fahey signed the ordinance into law.
On July 6, 2006 the Omaha Smoke-Free Ordinance became effective, 10 business days after it was passed by the Omaha City Council.
On October 2, 2006 the ordinance requires almost all businesses in Omaha to be 100% smoke free.