Both sides of a proposed smoking ordinance are still burning before Wednesday opens up the first day of early voting through May 3.
The ballot calls for a smoking ban in all bars and restaurants - a stricter measure than the city's current ordinance, which currently allows about 200 bars to keep smoking by way of a $3,000-permit.
On one hand the group Onward Austin, mainly funded by the American Cancer Society, advocates for public health and proclaims the risks of second-hand smoke. On the other, a group of bar owners argues for the survival of businesses that depend heavily on the culture of smokers.
Rodney Ahart, spokesperson for Onward Austin, works as the government affairs liaison with the American Cancer Society in Austin. The group successfully petitioned the smoking ban initiative on the ballot. The last campaign finance report from the city clerk's office showed $40,755 in contributions for the group, all doled out by the cancer society.
Ahart said the current ordinance is inadequate in protecting the youth from places such as pool halls and bowling alleys, also within the ban.
"The citizens of Austin deserve better protection," he said.
Randall Stockton, owner of Beerland bar on Red River, says Ahart has good intentions but thinks the opposition does not understand the industry the ban is trying to regulate, he said.
"If people choose to smoke or be around smoke where they work or where they play, the government shouldn't step in and tell them, 'No, you can't do that,'" said Stockton, a member of the ban opposition group, Keep Austin Free. The group filed $19,483 in contributions, according to the city clerk's office.
The members of the opposition group, made up of almost 30 bars and clubs, do not all smoke. Stockton doesn't. KVET radio disc jockey and Hill's Cafe owner Bob Cole doesn't. But the organization makes up a small portion of the total number of bars and clubs that will be affected by the ban. Stockton said the competition within the entertainment industry makes uniting difficult.
"A lot of people aren't very interested in even sitting in the same room together," Stockton said.
Stockton said he tried holding non-smoking nights at his venue when he first opened it four years ago, but turnout was so bad that he eventually stopped having them.
"The reason why Beerland is not currently smoke-free [is] because the nonsmokers have repeatedly failed to prove that they can support a smoke-free Beerland," he said.
Political consultant David Butts, with Onward Austin, said because of the smoking ban, more people would support live music if they knew they wouldn't have to breathe smoke.
"It's not banning smoking in its entirety," he said. "People will still be able to smoke outdoors."
For this upcoming election, the smoking ban has generated petitions, political action committees, T-shirts and a city council candidate.
Bar owner John Wickham runs a penniless campaign against incumbent Councilwoman Betty Dunkerley. He takes the opportunities within candidate forums to oppose the ban.
Austin Supports Health, another political committee for the smoking ban, filed recently with the city clerk's office. Founder Alfred Stanley, who consulted for Councilwoman Jackie Goodman, said the group will announce endorsements next week.
In the days leading up to voting, Stockton doubles his bar duties with attending civic forums and city organization meetings. His biggest criticism has been toward people who haven't even frequented his business.
"If you're not coming here, it's not hurting you," he said. "Let us have our good times."
