Doug Holiday, the lone bar and restaurant owner in the Lawrence City Commission race, on Thursday defended his position that the city’s smoking ban should be put to a vote.

During a Journal-World online chat, Holiday said the issue was important enough that city residents should make the decision instead of five commissioners. He said his opinion was that the ban reached too far into the world of private businesses.

“I encourage free enterprise and feel that it is a business owner’s decision to set the environment for their business,” said Holiday, who is a co-owner of Lawrence’s Bigg’s BBQ.

He also said he would be more supportive of a statewide ban, like the one California has implemented, because it would level the playing field for bars and restaurants.

On other issues, Holiday said:

• He supported completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway.
• He thought Lawrence had become a “destination” for the homeless. He said the city needed programs to help homeless people get back on their feet, but the programs should not enable homeless people to continue their lifestyles.

Holiday is one of nine candidates seeking three at-large positions on the Lawrence City Commission. Tuesday’s primary will narrow the field to six candidates. The general election will be April 5.

To see the complete chat transcript, go to www.ljworld.com.