Officials in Somerset have approved a smoking ban in the south-central Kentucky city.

Although there had been debate focusing on health issues and how much authority local governments should have, the City Council voted 11-1 on Monday to pass the ordinance that would ban smoking in enclosed public areas within the city.

Councilor Jim Rutherford, who was the lone vote against it, said his main concerns were with "government encroachment," the Commonwealth Journal reported.

Others said it was a public health and safety issue and it was time for officials to take a stand.

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