Officials in Middlesboro have given preliminary approval to a citywide smoking ban.
The vote Tuesday came after a request from a group of elementary school students involved with Destination Imagination, an educational nonprofit organization that tries to encourage and equip young leaders.
The Middlesboro Elementary School students proposed an ordinance that would ban smoking in all public places. Their presentation to the City Council last month included a petition with more than 400 signatures and information about the health effects of smoking.
The City Council's first reading of the ordinance to ban smoking passed unanimously. A second and final vote is set for May 19.
