There were not enough signatures for the petition
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(AP) -- An attempt to repeal a city ban on public smoking in Columbia failed after not enough voter signatures were collected to revive the measure.
A petition submitted by two business owners who opposed the smoking ban had just over half of the 2,579 signatures needed from registered voters.
The petition sponsors still have time to collect the remaining signatures. But ballot backer John Thiel says he is done fighting the ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
Thiel is co-owner of Otto’s Corner Bar and Grill in downtown Columbia.
Thiel says he instead plans to ask the city council to put the issue on the spring 2008 ballot.
The council approved an ordinance establishing the ban by a 4-to-3 vote last fall.
Only two of the elected officials who initially voted against the smoking restrictions remain on the council.
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