To smoke or not to smoke?

A drink and a cigarette go hand in hand for some people, but that soon may end in Lafayette bars and clubs.

The City-Parish Council tonight will consider approving a ban on smoking in all bars and clubs. The ban would apply to the use of electronic or e-cigarettes, too.

Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux is spearheading the ban. Club and bar clients have the option of not patronizing an establishment that allows smoking inside, but employees and musicians don't have that option, he said.

Opponents of the ban said owners should have the option of deciding whether their businesses should be smoke-free and are concerned the ban will be bad for business.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 705 W. University Ave.

Anyone wishing to address the council should pick up a blue speaker's card at the entrance to the council meeting room, complete it and hand it in to the council clerk before discussion begins on that agenda item.