(WSBT) Supporters and opponents spoke out about a proposed Elkhart smoking ban for the final time Tuesday. The ordinance would ban smoking in all public places across the city, including factories, restaurants and bars.

The debate lasted for more than two hours and brought out some very strong feelings on both sides of the issue.

Aaron Warlick spoke out. He's used to smelling smoke. He's lit up for nearly 30 years at home and in his job as a welder at Elkhart's Central States Fabricating Corporation. He thinks a city plan to send him outside to light up would send his rights up in smoke.

"The smoke we put off in welding is 10 times more harmful!" he told WSBT while at work Tuesday. "That's gonna kill you long before a cigarette ever will!"

Just down the road at Casey's Bar and Grill in downtown Elkhart, the atmosphere is a little softer but the feelings are the same — at least at the bar!

"Just leave us alone and let us smoke!" said bar manager Allison Lindsey. "I think it would hurt our business a little bit if they couldn't smoke."

But in the restaurant?

"If people want to smoke outside, that's fine," Dentist John Bond told WSBT. "But I would prefer this was smoke free," he continued, eying the salad on the table in front of him.

It's the age old debate, and Tuesday night, it hit Elkhart City Hall.

There were doctors armed with statistics on lung cancer and premature birth.

"[Second hand smoke] is detrimental to our children!" one said.

There were customers who said they don't want to walk at least 15 feet away from entrances and exits to light up.

"I have serious problems with that!" said another.

And there were customers who welcomed a cleaner indoor atmosphere.

There were business owners concerned about shrinking profits.

"You're stepping on the rights on the people who invest in our city!" one told the council.

But 4th District Common Council member Ron Troyer, who drew up the proposal, says he's not trying to take away anyone's rights. He says he's trying to balance everyone's rights out.

"People have a right to smoke," he told WSBT. "But people also have a right to breathe clean air! We need to address that second hand smoke issue!"

And only a handful at the packed hearing completely disagreed, but some still aren't sure a city-wide ban is the right way.

Elkhart's public safety and health committee will talk about the public comments at a meeting Wednesday night, and could vote then to make adjustments to the proposal, or to send it on to the full Common Council.

If the wording doesn't change, a final vote could come within the next three weeks.