The Navajo Nation Council has voted to ban use of commercial tobacco in public buildings and shared air spaces at outdoor events, leaving it to Navajo Nation's president to decide whether to sign the measure into law, the Associated Press reported July 28.

President Joe Shirley Jr. has 10 days from the measure's enactment to decide whether to sign or veto it. Supporters of the ban point to Shirley's past issuance of a tobacco-free proclamation and his support for efforts of the Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education Prevention Project as reasons for optimism about his decision on the ban.

The council on July 25 voted 42-27 in favor of the ban affecting both smoking and chewing tobacco, despite concerns of possible damaging effects on revenue at the first Navajo gambling casino, which is scheduled to open later this year.

"I think the council made a wise decision that puts the health and well-being of the people first," said Thomas Walker Jr., a Navajo Health and Social Services committee member and the sponsor of the smoking ban legislation.

The ban would not apply to tobacco used in ceremonies for Native American traditional or religious purposes. Violations of the ban could result in escalating monetary fines and community-service provisions for offenders.