The Jackson Town Council will address a pair of hot-button issues at its workshop meeting this afternoon: a proposed smoking ban within town limits and possible new regulations for taxis.

First, councilors will again hear from proponents of a townwide ban on smoking in public places.

In May 2007, councilors heard impassioned testimony from a roomful of supporters — including Teton County Public Health official Dr. Jim Little and Teton County Board of Public Health Chairwoman Jayne Ottman — but all five councilors spoke against the proposed ban. Councilors said they didn’t think a ban was necessary and declined to consider one.

Those pushing the ban said nonsmokers have the right not to be exposed to smoke. According to a survey commissioned last year by the local tobacco prevention coalition, 75 percent of Jackson residents favor a smoking ban.

The survey, which polled 400 Jackson residents, reported 40 percent of them said they were very concerned about secondhand smoke and 30 percent said they were somewhat concerned. The biggest reason people cited for supporting an ordinance was health.

Since then, Teton County has become the first in the state to restrict the use of all tobacco products in county-owned buildings and vehicles, and Grand Targhee Resort, Snow King Resort and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort all have announced plans to prohibit smoking everywhere but in designated areas.

The original ban proposal in Jackson was brought to the council by the board of health and Teton County Tobacco Prevention Coalition. The proposed ban would prohibit smoking in all public places, including parks and outdoor facilities such as baseball fields, and would prohibit smoking 20 feet from the door of public places.

Smoking in an area where it is prohibited would be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $750 fine or six months in jail. Currently, the only public bar to still allow smoking in Teton County is The Virginian.

Afterward, councilors will debate a proposal to regulate ground transportation companies, including taxi cabs and limousine services. In late March, councilors held a workshop with cab drivers to discuss complaints they had received from the public about taxi service.

At the meeting, many drivers said they would support additional licensing for owners and drivers but asked the council not to regulate fares.

Currently, cab companies only need to register with the town and receive a business license to operate within town limits. Cab operators who wish to operate at Jackson Hole Airport must pass a certification process and sign a contract for service with the airport, director Ray Bishop told the council. The process includes a vehicle inspection and a review of insurance and tax records.

The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. today. For a full agenda and staff reports, go to www.townofjackson.com.