| The 8-to-5 vote came after a lengthy debate in which lawmakers who opposed the ban — and even some who favored it — raised concerns that the law could create opportunities for Black smokers to be harassed by police and that the city would be unfairly targeting a smoking choice preferred by Black residents. It was the council's second vote in favor of the legislation, meaning that it heads to the desk of Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), who is expected to sign it into law. | 
