NORMAL - Smokers won't be able to light up in most indoor public places in Normal after New Year's Eve.

The City Council unanimously approved a smoking ban Monday night despite an 11th hour attempt by Councilman Jeff Fritzen to allow smoking in restaurants after the kitchen was closed.

"I'm not surprised," said Terry Stralow, owner of Pub II. "The vote is what I expected."

"I'm frustrated," said Bill Sheridan, owner of Foul Shots. "It's going to cost us."

Stralow hopes now that Bloomington will adopt a similar ordinance. Bloomington City Council is expected to discuss the issue May 8. In a previous discussion by alderman, only one supported a total ban.

"I hope both cities do something together," Stralow said.

Fritzen said his suggestion to ease the ban after 9 p.m. was an attempt to bring the two municipalities closer together on the issue.

"If Bloomington votes next week and passes something that surprises me - we can bring this back for reconsideration," he said. "We're going first so even though I prefer not to offer a compromise - we have a responsibility to business people in the community who function in the same realm as some of those in Bloomington."

He was referring to the fact that while both municipalities have pub-type restaurants, Normal requires those serving alcohol to also serve food but Bloomington doesn't.

Fritzen said most Normal pubs operate primarily as a bar after 9 p.m. and no children would be in the establishments, eliminating council members concern about the effect of second-hand smoke on children in a restaurant.

"This becomes harder," said Councilman Jason Chambers. "This takes (the child issue) totally out of the equation."

But, Chambers said, the amendment wouldn't eliminate his other concern - the affect of second-hand smoke on employees.

"If it's a health issue before 9 p.m., it's a health issue after 9 p.m.," Chambers said.

Councilwoman Sonja Reece said a McLean County Chamber of Commerce survey in which 80 percent of the chamber members were in favor of banning smoking from worker areas "was really a strong statement about employee health. If that many say yes, we ought to listen to them."

Fritzen's amendment died by a vote of 5 to 2. Only Fritzen and Councilman Parker Lawlis voted yes. Lawlis suggested in previous council meeting that bar-type restaurants be allowed to opt out of a ban.

Mayor Chris Koos said the potential difference in ordinances between the two municipalities is what troubled him the most.

"I'm more optimistic Bloomington will do a ban that will bring us much closer than I thought in recent past," he said.

Meanwhile, Sheridan said two different ordinances will hurt his business just as Normal's keg laws and 4 percent liquor tax did in years past.

Councilman Adam Nielsen believes it will do just the opposite.

"I'm not pessimistic about the market; I'm optimistic," Nielsen said.

"Many can't wait until they can enjoy some of their favorite places in Normal without smoke."