A public hearing Monday night gave residents the chance to weigh in on a proposal to expand the city's smoking ban to include the downtown area.

The city already has outdoor smoking laws in place, prohibiting smoking in city parks. However, this new proposal by the City Common Council would ban smoking within 100 feet of any outdoor dining space within the Business Improvement District.

If passed, violators would face a $50 fine for the first offense, $100 for the second, and $250 for each subsequent offense.

While some nonsmokers expressed support for the proposed ban, others voiced concerns that it could deter visitors.

"Half the bars are closing by 10 p.m., and it really affects the revenue of the town and the tourism," said one resident to News 12. "I know personally if I lit up a cigarette in town and was handed a $50 fine, I am not going back there, and I know a lot of people feel that way."

No decision was made at Monday's meeting. Another meeting is scheduled for next week.