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Council to vote on smoking ban next week  

After a dozen residents spoke Tuesday during a public hearing on a proposed smoking ban, the Columbus City Council is expected to vote on a ban Dec. 1.

The majority of those who spoke Tuesday were opposed to a ban; although, several business owners asked for a complete ban, if one is enacted at all.

"We've been through this," said John Bean, a stockholder in The Eat With Us Group, which owns several restaurants -- including Harvey's, Sweet Peppers Deli and The Grill -- in Columbus, as well as restaurants in Starkville and Tupelo, which both have city smoking bans. "As a business owner, I'm opposed to this ordinance.

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