WMBD/WYZZ TV – WASHINGTON -- One city wants to pass its own smoking ordinance even though a statewide ban is already in place. Washington City administrators say the ordinance will help enforcement. It’s a blow to smokers but the state legislator is tossing around two bills that could give smokers a place to light up.

Parish's Pub, has two constants, its been in Washington for nearly 40 years, and the patrons like to smoke. But the smoking ban changed all that. Now, manager Sherry Hexamer spends her days fielding customers complaints.  

Hexamer says, "They just don't think it's fair, they understand if it's a restaurant, because of family and kids and friends."

Washington Administrators want to add a local smoking ordinance that mimics the statewide ban. So what's the point? Administrator, Bob Morris says it's a matter of convenience. Right now all the citations go through court in Pekin.  If the ordinance passes the citations and the money would stay in Washington.

"We have not written any tickets, it's not a financial issue quite frankly."

As the butts start to pile up outside the bar, state legislatures are considering bills that could mean lights out for the smoking ban.

One bill would allows business like casinos or night clubs to get a smoking license. The other bill overturns the smoking ban entirely. But state reps say that's unlikely

State Rep Aaron Schock says, "I think that's something legitimate will consider but I don't think the political climate is such that you'll see the state ban overturned."

Washington Council will vote on the local ordinance Monday evening. City administrators expect it to pass.