Inuvik (Apr 11/03) - Town councillors are having their last kick at the can over the proposed smoking bylaw.

With the bylaw facing third and final reading on Wednesday, council, sitting as committee of the whole Monday, discussed a clause of the bylaw that would forbid smoking in private clubs where children are allowed.

Coun. Denny Rodgers proposed an amendment to the bylaw that would exempt clubs like the Legion, curling club and Lions from the law.

"I don't think we should be imposing our morals on parents," Rodgers said. "They can vote among their membership and decide amongst themselves, but I don't think it's this council's right or obligation to make that decision."

Mayor Peter Clarkson argued that other public events are often held in the clubs.

"We're not just dealing with private club members here," Clarkson said. "There are public events held at those facilities."

Clarkson said because everyone had an opinion on the subject, everyone would take a turn speaking to the subject.

Coun. Marja Van Niewenhuyzen said she would be in favour of an exemption if the clubs could be non-smoking when children were present.

Coun. Alfred Moses was opposed to making any amendment to the law.

"People have to work in there to make a living; bartenders waiters and waitresses and there are liability issues," Moses said.

"Smokers had their chance to speak at the public meeting and they missed it," he said. "We put this in the bylaw and we should stand behind it."

Coun. George Doolittle was firmly opposed to amending the bylaw. "If you go with the current recommendation, you will see an increase in the current number of private clubs in town. The decision you have to make here is the healthier decision."

"I'm totally against changing anything on this proposed bylaw, because it's not a healthy way to go."

Deputy Mayor Clarence Wood said he was all for the bylaw as it first read, but had a change of heart over the course of the three readings.

"I'm still in favour of the bylaw, but I would probably support (the amendment)," Wood said. "What I'd like to see is an amendment that clubs could apply for an exemption."

Coun. Cheryl Sharpe agreed with Wood and thought each club should be looked at individually.

Coun. Arlene Hansen was firmly opposed to any amendment in the bylaw. "I'd be willing to entertain an amendment if someone could explain the benefits of smoking to me," Hansen said. "I see absolutely no benefit to anyone smoking, anywhere in the world."

"Smoking costs us too much money."

Student councillor Amanda Johns thought all councillors had made good arguments, but thought no exceptions should be made to the rule.

"If we make exceptions for these private groups, there are going to be other exceptions," Johns said. "What about the taxi cabs? They have to be in their cars for 12 hours a day." They can't have a smoke in their own car? What's up with that?"

Council was to vote on the bylaw at Wednesday's regular meeting.