An exemption to the city of Elkhart’s anti-smoking ordinance was approved.

Since August, the Council has been pondering an amendment to its 2008 anti-smoking ordinance.

Arguments were made for and against the proposed amendment before a final vote on Monday night.

Council members voted 5 to 4 in favor of the amendment. The move now adds cigar bars to the list of exemptions.

According to The Elkhart Truth, Council President Brett Curry said regulations are necessary and widely accepted, while also saying the ban doesn’t keep residents from smoking but does protect public spaces.