Florence City Council passed the first reading on a proposed smoking ban ordinance Monday night.

The wording of the ordinance was tweaked some, but officials say the heart of it is still there.

The ordinance requires restaurants to designate an employee smoking area away from the general public and out of employee work areas.

Council voted 5-2 for first reading with council members Ed Robinson and Steve Powers voting against it.

Council is expected to vote on a second reading next month.