KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) _ The Kokomo City Council has given initial approval to a ban on smoking in bars and social clubs.

The council voted 5-4 Monday night to advance the proposal after nearly 50 people protested against the ban outside City Hall and more than 20 opponents and supporters spoke during the meeting.

The Kokomo Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1BYkJqW ) Councilman Mike Wyant argued a smoking ban in bars would force some to close. Councilman Bob Hayes said that claims from restaurants that they would lose business from a 2006 ban proved unfounded.

The council could give final approval to the proposal on Sept. 8.

Indianapolis and Fort Wayne are among cities that go further than state law to prohibit smoking inside bars. The South Bend City Council rejected such a ban in July.