CROWN POINT | For the third time, City Council members left a discussion of the proposed citywide smoking ban without answers.

The council's ordinance committee meeting Wednesday night focused on the conflict between business owners who want the right to choose and nonsmoking activists who want Crown Point smoke-free -- not on the ordinance itself. No action was taken.

"I'm not in a hurry to adopt this ordinance until the enforcement and operation are clear and predictable," Councilman Bob Corbin said.

Crown Point Police Chief Keith Hefner said the proposal needs clarification about where a fine would be paid and enforcement.

City Council members said they also want to sit down with Planning Director Curt Graves to iron out questions on ventilation, heating and air conditioning requirements. The proposed ordinance calls for businesses that seek exemptions to the smoking ban to have completely separate ventilation systems from other businesses or residences.

Diamond Jim's owner Jim Lurtz said he would rather the issue come before voters in the form of a referendum on November's ballot.

"I don't believe it should be left up to four nonsmokers to decide my fate," he said of the number of council members it would take to pass the citywide smoking ban.

Lurtz has been a vocal opponent of the ban, saying they have an adverse effect on businesses in communities that adopt the restriction. His wife, Peggy, said their livelihood was their concern.

Manolie Pappas, whose family owns Main Street Cafe and Twelve Islands, said business owners should be granted free choice.

"Shouldn't people be able to choose?" he asked the council. "We're not forcing them to come in."

Grassroots Advocacy Director Sam Denton, of the American Heart Association, said the council's focus should be on proof that smoking is a health concern. He said businesses are not negatively impacted by a ban.

"If you have this debate with science and facts, not fear, misinformation and raw emotion, your decision should be an easy one," he said.