FITCHBURG, Wis. -- The Fitchburg City Council is again debating a smoking ban proposal Tuesday night after the idea failed the first time.

The proposal is now being called a "compromise" by aldermen, WISC-TV reported.

The new version of the ban puts in an exemption for two small taverns in the city, Monkeyshines and Schneids, the smoking area in the Ten Pin Alley Bowling Center and the city's one cigar bar until 2011.

"I was one of the two that voted for the stronger ordinance the first time around. I think it's a good idea to get smoke out of public places, public accommodations and places of employment," said William Horns, a Fitchburg alderman.

Bill McMahan, owner of Monkeyshines Bar, said he opposes the proposal.

"This fight right now is because I'm mad. They have no right to tell people what they should do. They claim this is a health issue; this is not a health issue; this is one sector trying to get their way through," McMahan said.

Two alderman who spoke with WISC-TV and some of those against the smoking ban said they expected there to be numerous amendments offered.

In two committee meetings, there was already a proposed amendment that would delay the ban starting from January to April of 2008, WISC-TV reported.