The City of Ithaca pushing for a smoking ban in parts of downtown Commons.

While the ban would reduce second hand smoke in the area, the issue is igniting flames for many nearby restaurant owners and customers.

Action News Reporter Leigh Dana has the story.

You may be able to dine outside in Downtown Ithaca during warmer months...

But soon you might not be able to smoke outside.

"The city is considering the effects of second hand smoke on the public and so they're interested in providing a healthy safe place for people where they can come down to the commons and not have to have the second hand smoke," says Vicki Taylor with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.

The city is looking to ban smoking in roughly half of Ithaca Commons and within 10 feet of outdoor dining areas.

This plan would result with an entire block of smoke free restaurants on Aurora Street, making customers leave the table and the street in order to light one up.

"It's just finding the corner to be able to smoke in," says Lorie Gordiner of Owego.

Some restaurant owners say a smoking ban in the area serves no purpose.

"You get stuff from the air, trucks and cars going by... What difference does that... I mean the air we breathe.. It's not going to effect anyone walking by," says Sandy Kuntz, partner of Hal's Deli.

And many long time customers agree.

"I do get annoyed sometimes when I walk by and someone's smoking or I'm standing there and the wind blows it in my face. But I think it just goes too far to do this," says Sara Amberge of Ithaca.

"I think I have just as much a right to smoke outside as they have to walk outside," says Gordiner.

Common Council plans to vote on a proposed smoking ban bill by January.

If it passes, Ithaca would be one of the first communities in the state to include smoking restrictions in its city code.

In Ithaca Leigh Dana WBNG TV Action News.

The proposed bill would also ban outdoor smoking near small parks, schools, bus stops and city buildings.

New York State already bans smoking in all indoor workplaces.