Proposed city-wide trans fat ban may include Cleveland schools

CLEVELAND - The proposed Cleveland city ordinance banning trans fats in Cleveland may be expanding.

In a meeting at city hall Monday, council members discussed banning trans fats from Cleveland schools.

"We have captive audiences with these young people," said Ward 8 Councilman Jeffrey Johnson. "The schools have to get rid of trans fat. If they don't want to do it, for whatever reason, then the government over here at city hall should make it happen."

The ordinance also calls for a smoking ban on and around city property. Council debated some of the wording in the ordinance.

Currently it reads, "smoking is prohibited within 150 feet of city places of employment."

That could mean 150 feet from the front doors of city hall -- or 150 feet from a city work vehicle or work site.

"This is causing a debate. That is exactly what we want," said Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman. "It is going to bring more attention to it. And council will work through the issues that we have to."

Cimperman introduced the ordinance and admits there are still gray areas.

"People are talking about it," said Cimperman. "And if that is the only thing we get then we've succeeded. I'm hoping that we are actually able to put some points on the board and get something done."

No vote has been taken. Council members will have a caucus on Monday to work on a final draft before presenting the plan for a vote.