SAN JOSE — The City Council overwhelmingly approved banning tobacco coupons from San Jose bars and clubs but not before a lengthy discussion about the legal risks of controlling the tobacco industry’s flashy new advertising method.

The ban on tobacco sampling and coupons passed by a 9-2 vote Tuesday with council members Johnny Khamis and Pierluigi Oliverio casting the dissenting votes.

Cigarette companies were sending “scantily-clad” representatives to San Jose venues to distribute coupons for half-priced or $1 cigarette packages. Advocates say the companies targeted young and impressionable drinkers, especially those visiting gay bars. One tobacco company, Philip Morris, reported making more than 560 visits to San Jose in 2013 and 2014.

Bill Phelps, a spokesman for Philip Morris, declined to comment.

Most council members said San Jose needs to join the 45 other cities that have banned these coupons from businesses, but Khamis advocated for 21-year-olds and other adults being free to choose what they put in their bodies.

“I want government to butt out of our lives,” Khamis said. “I don’t want government telling consenting adults what can go inside their bodies.”

To make his point, Khamis held up coupons that were mailed to his home — everything from discounted chocolates to wine — saying it doesn’t mean he’ll automatically purchase the products. “Nor will a coupon being given at the bar force someone to go outside the bar and purchase cigarettes,” he said.

Councilman Tam Nguyen, an attorney for more than 20 years, said the city could open itself to litigation by limiting how tobacco companies distribute coupons but ultimately voted in favor of the measure.

Councilman Raul Peralez said other cities that have adopted similar regulations were not sued. Without government regulations, Peralez said, a number of other measures would not exist, including health disclosures on cigarette packages.

He said the tobacco companies are luring young smokers who are under the influence of alcohol.

“This is not outlawing smoking a cigarette outside a bar,” Peralez said. “What this is simply saying is you found an avenue to entice and find these smokers with a gimmick, and we’re going to put a stop to that.”

Follow Ramona Giwargis at Twitter.com/ramonagiwargis or contact her at 408-920-5705.