Subscribe to Cigar Rights of America RSS feeds and get the most up-to-date cigar-related legislative news. http://www.cigarrights.org/xml/news/news.xml http://www.cigarrights.org/favicon.ico http://www.cigarrights.org/images/CRA08small.jpg en-us A member of a key tobacco-advisory committee for the Food and Drug Administration who faced criticism from the industry says he stepped down because he can be more helpful to the agency as an outsider. Gregory N. Connolly, a Harvard School of Public Health professor and tobacco researcher, said Wednesday that he resigned about three weeks ago for "personal reasons" and because "I can be more effective off the committee than on it." Mr. Connolly said he wasn't pushed to resign, though "I didn't have as many friends as one would like" within the FDA. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FED.htm 5 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Federal NEWPORT, Ky. - Proposed smoking bans look to be a hot issue throughout Kentucky this year, as health authorities push for a state-wide smoking ban. But they'll have to fight efforts to overturn some local smoking bans, like the one in Campbell County. It looked like the spring might bring indoor smoking bans to both Kenton and Campbell counties, but now that outlook, at least in Campbell County, appears unclear at best because new members of the Campbell County Fiscal Court want to overturn the previously approved smoking ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 6 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky A bill scheduled to be introduced in the General Assembly today calls for a smoking ban across Kentucky, where residents smoke at the nation's highest rate and tobacco-related illnesses exact a heavy toll. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, would ban smoking in all indoor workplaces with at least one employee, including restaurants, bars and private clubs. It's supported by a coalition of local, state and national health advocates called Smoke Free Kentucky. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 6 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky If you want to smoke on the sidewalk in Great Neck, New York, it might cost you $1,000. The local board of the Long Island village voted this week to ban smoking on sidewalks outside of businesses along the main street, as well as in some other public places. The village is part of a wealthy New York City suburb and claims to be the first municipality in New York state to enact such a measure. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 6 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 New York The Fairfield City Council tonight delayed a vote on a measure to exempt some private clubs and organizations in the city from what is considered the county's toughest anti-smoking ordinance. Council members heard brief arguments from both supporters and opponents of the exemption, but tabled it because Councilman F.D. Scott, who had it placed on the agenda, was absent. Fairfield passed the ban in 2006. It bans smoking in public places and in private clubs and restaurants. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 18 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama Remember when it was perfectly acceptable to smoke in bars, restaurants and even the workplace? When California passed bans against such activities in the mid-1990s, tobacco fans recoiled in anger and threatened that it would never work. Fast-forward to today and nobody thinks twice about it. Smoking laws have even evolved to where lighting up is banned on state beaches and many parks. But despite the great health strides that have been made in the battle against tobacco, there is still a lot more work to be done, according to state and county health officials and the American Lung Association (ALA). http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 24 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 California LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association in California released its annual State of Tobacco Control report that issues grades to cities and counties in California on key tobacco control policies, including those for smokefree outdoor environments, smokefree housing, and reducing sales of tobacco products. This year for the first time, the American Lung Association in California graded all 480 incorporated cities and towns, and all 58 counties in the state. In addition to local grades, the State of Tobacco Control 2010 issues grades for the federal government, all 50 states and the District of Columbia. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 20 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 California The possibility of a Yale-wide smoking ban has ignited debate on campus. After details of a committee that is investigating the feasibility of making Yale a smoke-free campus were released yesterday, student opinion has emerged divided over the desirability of such a ban. Though the committee, called the Tobacco-Free Yale Workgroup, has yet to make any firm decisions on the details of the proposal, or on the logistical aspects of applying a ban, they intend to send out a survey to gauge student, staff and faculty support sometime in February. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CT.htm 21 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Connecticut Last year's opening of a new hookah smoking bar in Skokie has prompted the Board of Health to recommend strengthening the village's ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places. Under the Board's proposal, smoking would be prohibited in new "retail tobacco stores" including hookah establishments. If the Village Board approves the recommendation, it would in effect ban new smoking lounges from opening in the village although existing establishments would remain. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 20 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois A bill to ban smoking in most public areas in Indiana was watered down today, as the Indiana House voted to exempt bars that only cater to those aged 21 and over. The House also voted to let nursing homes and veterans’ facilities, as well as fraternal clubs such as those run by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, have a smoking area. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 24 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana House voted Monday to exempt bars and veterans facilities from a proposed statewide indoor smoking ban that could get a final House vote this week. Casino properties and tobacco shops previously were exempted from House Bill 1018, sponsored by state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary. The bar exemption applies only to drinking establishments and could not be used by a restaurant/bar unless the bar where smoking is permitted is separated from the rest of the nonsmoking building by a solid, floor-to-ceiling wall. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 25 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Following lively comments and an overflow crowd at Tuesday night’s city commission meeting, commissioners still expect more public feedback at Monday night’s special meeting. The Bowling Green City Commission will vote on a second reading of an ordinance that would ban smoking at most indoor businesses in Bowling Green. The first reading passed 3-2. Commissioners Bruce Wilkerson and Joe Denning voted no. “I think there will be public feedback again,” said Commissioner Brian “Slim” Nash, author of the ordinance. Nash said he has gotten a considerable amount of feedback from the community since Tuesday night’s meeting. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 23 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky LOUISVILLE — Senate President David Williams said Friday he supports a statewide smoking ban to promote health, but two of his rivals in this year's race for governor said the issue should be decided by property owners. Louisville businessman Phil Moffett said government has no business making decisions regarding private property and that he thinks the effects of secondhand smoke have been "overblown." Williams countered that he does not think secondhand smoke is "a joke." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 22 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky Senate President David Williams strongly endorsed a statewide smoking ban Friday, saying it’s a workplace safety issue and not a matter of property rights as many conservatives contend. Williams, speaking in Louisville at a Kentucky Press Association forum for gubernatorial candidates, said he would vote for such a ban if it comes to the Senate in this year’s General Assembly. His opponent in the Republican primary, Louisville businessman Phil Moffett, said Williams’ position demonstrates that he isn’t a true conservative. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 21 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The assault on tobacco use is resuming on several fronts in the State House, including denying benefits for MaineCare recipients who smoke and restricting smoking in private clubs. Details of those and other bills are not yet fleshed out, but sponsors say they want to reduce Maine's smoking rate and drive down taxpayers' costs of treating tobacco-related illnesses. Sen. Thomas Saviello said Friday he decided to introduce a bill to keep people receiving MaineCare — the state's Medicaid program — from receiving benefits at the suggestion of a constituent who also works in a rural health care clinic. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ME.htm 21 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Maine Cambridge — Cambridge is taking more steps toward banning smoking in public places. Public Health Officer Claude-Alix Jacob said in a memo to City Council that the city’s Public Health Department is looking to create a working group that would explore issues involved when cities ban smoking in public parks, beaches and other places. According to his memo, which was written Dec. 14, the group would look at outdoor smoking bans throughout the country and the scientific literature on the health impact of such bans. It would also consider specific attributes of Cambridge’s public places, the feasibility of enforcing a ban and the feasibility of an outreach campaign that would precede enforcement. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 21 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts State officials "report the (smoking) ban — which began May 1 — hasn't hurt business," reports The Detroit News in its Dec. 23 article, "Small-bar owners fuming over losses."That couldn't be more inaccurate and shows that state officials don't know what is going on in their own jurisdiction. A better measurement of the effect the smoking ban has had on on-premise liquor sales is to go to the state's MLCC site and look up the amount of liquor sales made to on-premise establishments in 2009 versus the first 11 and a half months of 2010. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 21 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan A bill introduced today in the Minnesota House would ease the smoking ban restrictions on bars and restaurants with attached bars, by allowing smoking in enclosed bar areas if there is a ventilation system and closable doors that are "continuously closed, except when a person is actively entering or exiting the bar." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MN.htm 24 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Minnesota A group of lawmakers at the Capitol is looking to roll back part of the statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants. The legislators today filed a bill that would allow people in bars to smoke if the facility installs a ventilation system to remove the smoke, and a closed door separates the bar from the restaurant. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MN.htm 24 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Minnesota JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Advocates in support of a statewide smoking ban gathered at the capitol Wednesday to ask lawmakers to vote 'yes' on this legislation. "We do not have a strong statewide law to protect all Mississippians from second hand smoke," said American Heart Association Government Relations Director Katherine Bryant. Senate Bill 2726 and House Bill 863 would virtually erase smoking from indoors a public building. This includes restaurants and casinos throughout the state. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MS.htm 19 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Mississippi JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Health advocates are renewing their push for a bill to ban smoking in all enclosed public places in Mississippi, including restaurants and casinos. Their efforts have been unsuccessful the past several years, and the bill will face obstacles again this year because some lawmakers — including the House Public Health Committee chairman — still say they don't want to tell businesses what to do on private property. During a hearing of the House and Senate public health committees Wednesday, Terry F. Pechacek of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told lawmakers that the 2010 surgeon general's report said there's no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MS.htm 19 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Mississippi Okay, St. Louis puffers, you asked for it -- and here it is: the unofficial list of city bars that have applied for an exemption from the smoking ban. A quick word of caution: This is not a list of places that have officially been declared exempt, but rather a list of bars whose owners believe they should be. In other words, the managers of these joints will continue letting patrons light up until they're told not to by the city's health department. The list also includes tobacco stores and hotels. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 19 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri OMAHA, Neb. -- An Omaha business is sending hundreds of cigars, many donated by customers, to troops in Iraq. Nickleby’s Cigar Ring manager Tim Vanderpool sent out messages on email and Facebook, telling customers his store would match every cigar they donated to troops. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NE.htm 17 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Nebraska RALEIGH -- When the General Assembly passed the bill banning smoking in 2009, it gave the green light for local governments to restrict smoking in outdoor areas. Following such cities such as Asheville, Raleigh is now considering a ban on outdoor smoking in city parks and greenways. While a public health argument “reasonably” can be made for restricting smoking in enclosed spaces, so long as property rights are respected, no such argument exists in outdoor areas. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NC.htm 14 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 North Carolina Local health officials and politicians met Tuesday night to advocate for legislation that would allow municipalities to ban smoking in public places. The public meeting, sponsored by the Tobacco Free Coalition for Tulsa County, was held at the Tulsa County Medical Society. Oklahoma and Tennessee are the only two states that do not allow cities to create smoking restrictions that are stricter than state law. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OK.htm 11 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Oklahoma DEADWOOD, SD - South Dakota has been smoke-free for nearly two months now and with revenues declining in casinos across the state the legislature may look at tweaking the law in the upcoming session. In November, South Dakota voters decided to cut off smoking in bars, restaurants and casinos cold turkey, and now casinos in the state are starting to feel the withdrawls of the smoke-free law. "People aren't coming and that's just a fact of life. We've noticed it almost immediately in the middle of November when the smoking ban started," Republican Senator Tom Nelson of Lead said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SD.htm 11 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 South Dakota For those concerned about secondhand smoke, the statewide ban secured the ultimate victory. So why, barely six months after the law took effect, are they determined to run up the score? Now the City Council is considering whether to restrict smoking at the North Beach Oasis and in the stands at Racine's softball fields. Aldermen should let this one burn out in the ashtray of unneeded proposals. At least ostensibly, the indoor ban was designed to protect workers. While customers could come and go as they pleased, workers at bars and other places had to deal with prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and the toxic chemicals it carries. Painful as it may be for business owners, the law does make sense for health reasons. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WI.htm 22 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Wisconsin CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming legislators have rejected a bill that would have given county commissioners or local health departments the power to ban smoking in public places. The Senate Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee voted 4-1 against the proposal Thursday. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that the bill's sponsor, Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper, was the only one to vote 'yes.' Lawmakers say they opposed the bill because local elected officials did. The Wyoming County Commissioners' Association spoke against it. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WY.htm 20 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Wyoming Smoke-free businesses in Bowling Green became a reality Monday night, when the Bowling Green City Commission passed 3-2 an ordinance banning smoking at most businesses in the city. The ban will take effect 90 days from Monday’s vote. Exempt from the ordinance are nursing homes, exclusive tobacco retailers and private clubs where membership is required. Commissioners Joe Denning and Bruce Wilkerson voted against the measure. Residents again packed the City Hall chamber to voice their opinions. For the second meeting in a row, many of the same arguments in support and against the ban were heard. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 25 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky CLAYTON • The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis has received the first citation for violating Clayton's 7-month-old smoking ban — for allowing guests at the annual Cigar Club formal party Saturday night to light up. A Clayton police officer handed the ticket to Ritz general manager Patrick Franssen that night, and Police Chief Thomas Byrne also dropped by the hotel. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 26 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri LINCOLN — Cigar bars and almost all exceptions to the state's 2-year-old smoking ban would be snuffed out if a judge's ruling in Lincoln this week stands. Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson, citing a 2008 court ruling on Omaha's smoking ban, ruled that exempting places such as cigar bars, designated rooms in hotels and smoke shops was unconstitutional “special legislation” for a specific group. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NE.htm 27 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Nebraska So long, cigar bars and hotel smoking rooms. Maybe. A Lincoln judge has ruled that certain exceptions to the statewide smoking ban -- specifically those that allow smoking in cigar bars, tobacco stores and some hotel rooms -- are unconstitutional special treatment for those businesses. The state filed notice Thursday morning that it will appeal the case. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NE.htm 27 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Nebraska After a bitter debate over individual liberties and the role of government, the City Council on Wednesday handily approved a bill to ban smoking in 1,700 city parks and along 14 miles of city beaches. By a 36-to-12 vote, the Council passed the most significant expansion of antismoking laws since Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg pushed to prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars in 2002. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 2 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 New York For Paul Mackay, owner of four upscale El Gaucho steakhouses, a court case wasn’t worth the money or the time. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department had closed the cigar lounge attached to his Tacoma restaurant. He believed he had met the letter and spirit of the law that ordered strict requirements of ventilation, separation and lounge operations. A judge offered a temporary order closing the lounge. Mackay could have gone back to court, but dropped the case. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 1 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington Smoking is almost synonymous with the perception of New York City culture. Yet the City University of New York recently approved plans to implement a smoking ban on all 23 of its campuses, making it a part of a trend that has been gaining momentum across U.S. colleges and universities in the past few months. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 3 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 California We told you last week that supporters of an expansion of the Clean Indoor Air Act are readying for another fight. Talk Business has learned that no later than next Monday, proponents of removing exemptions to the "no smoking in businesses" law may file legislation. State Sen. Tracy Steele, a lead sponsor of the act from 2006, says he'll carry the bill and expects to file it "no later than Monday." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AR.htm 31 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Arkansas NEWPORT, Ky. - The smoking ban adopted last year for Campbell County is under review and could be repealed before it ever takes effect depending on an upcoming vote. Campbell County commissioners will decide whether to repeal the ban at a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 at the fiscal court building in Newport. The original smoking ban ordinance in Campbell County passed in December 2010. It is set to take effect in April 2011. The bill would ban smoking in areas of employment and public places including bars and restaurants. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 15 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky Terre Haute City Council votes 9-0 in adopt new ordinance but puts off implementation until July 1, 2012 TERRE HAUTE — Heeding calls to make the city “more progressive” and a healthier place to work, the Terre Haute City Council voted 9-0 Thursday night in favor of banning smoking in all indoor places of employment beginning in July 2012. About 150 people – for and against the ordinance – packed the City Hall courtroom to take part in or listen to about two hours of public discussion prior to the council vote. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 14 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana TERRE HAUTE — A survey of Terre Haute bar employees found about two-thirds are against a proposed nonsmoking ordinance smoldering before the City Council. Of 31 bar employees surveyed over the past five days at more than 20 different Terre Haute bars, 21 said they opposed the ordinance, which would ban smoking in all Terre Haute workplaces, including taverns and private clubs. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 12 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana The Kentucky Legislature is looking at a bill that would establish a smoking ban across the state, impacting all public buildings. The Indiana General Assembly also is considering a statewide smoking ban during its current session. The proposed Kentucky bill, House Bill 193, would prohibit smoking in any indoor public places and establish a distance outside the doors where smoking would be allowed. Fines would be $100 for the first violation and $250 for every other violation. Fines could increase if violations become a persistent problem. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 12 Jan 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky The ongoing debate at Yale University about the possible implementation of a campus-wide smoking ban has prompted reactions from students, faculty and administrators across the country. At issue are the competing ideals of individual autonomy and social responsibility, which together form the philosophical basis for much of higher education. Yet as significant as these two principles may be, the decision that Yale makes going forward should be based on what policy will best promote the public health of its community. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_VA.htm 9 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Virginia NEWPORT - After 3½ hours of debate Wednesday, Campbell County Fiscal Court voted 3-1 to snuff out the proposed countywide smoking ban that would have prohibited smoking inside bars, restaurants and other businesses that welcome the public. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 16 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky HUNTSVILLE, AL - The American Cancer Society is igniting a new campaign to snuff out smoking in Alabama's workplaces. Officials with the nonprofit group say they are hopeful the Legislature, after years of talk, will finally outlaw smoking inside restaurants, bars and other places of employment. "This is not a (smoker's) rights issue, it's a public health issue," Diane Peeples, with the cancer society's Huntsville office, said Wednesday. "You can smoke, but I don't want you to smoke where I am, where my children are, where my grandchildren are. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 12 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama Hawaii's tough smoking ban went into effect in 2006. There's a bill moving through the State Legislature that aims to change part of that law, by allowing smokers to light up at bars and nightclubs in Hawaii. There's a hearing tomorrow on the bill -- SB708. While supporters say it's about giving people a choice, and generating money for the State's general fund, opponents say it's not worth it. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_HI.htm 7 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Hawaii LOWELL | Two Town Council members will meet today with the Town Attorney to shape an amendment to Lowell's indoor smoking ban after a pleas Monday from struggling local business owners. The crowd urged a special meeting to consider an amendment that could exempt some establishments. Lowell's clean air ordinance, which prohibits smoking in public places and workplaces, went into effect Jan. 1. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 15 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana CLAYTON - The Ritz-Carlton in Clayton has agreed to pay a fine of $300 and court costs of $26.50 after being charged with violating Clayton's smoking ban ordinance, Clayton officials said today. The Ritz has also agreed to comply with the city's ordinance in the future, Clayton officials said in a news release. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 16 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri State lawmakers are considering allowing an exception to the smoking ban by allowing people to smoke cigars or pipes in designated lounges or shops. If the bills, proposed in both the House and Senate, passed, customers could light up at the lounges or shops as long as the smoking area is physically separated from areas where smoking is banned. The bills don't cover cigarettes. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 15 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington OLYMPIA — Some state lawmakers are looking to carve out an exception to the state smoking ban by allowing customers to smoke cigars or pipes at some cigar lounges and tobacco shops. Under bills proposed in the state House and Senate, cigar lounges and retail tobacco stores could apply for a state endorsement that would allow patrons to smoke cigars or pipe tobacco in their shops. Cigarettes, however, would be banned, and the designated smoking area would be physically separated from other areas that prohibit smoking. No more than 100 cigar lounges and 500 retail tobacco shops in the state could allow smoking. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 11 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington With smoking bans becoming more and more popular these days, cigar festivals are also rising in popularity. Events, such as the annual Big Smoke put on by Cigar Aficionado, are popular because they give cigar enthusiasts the chance to get cigars directly from the people that make them. It can be a thrill to rub discuss a cigar with Avo Uvezian, Pete Johnson, or Rocky Patel. At cigar festivals, you are given the opportunity to meet the top names in cigars under one roof. On Sunday, April 3, Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium will host the New Jersey Cigar Festival. Scheduled to appear are companies such as Alec Bradley, Drew Estate, and Miami Cigar & Company. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NJ.htm 11 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 New Jersey Ninth Judicial District Court Judge Timothy Day on Wednesday struck down the county-wide smoking ban passed by the Teton County Board of Health two years ago. Day said in a ruling the Smokefree Air Rule of 2009 not only was outside of the authority of the county board of health but that the act of passing it was unconstitutional. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WY.htm 11 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Wyoming LAGUNA WOODS – Smoking on residential patios and balconies in the city likely will be prohibited come mid-March – a first-of-its-kind restriction in Orange County, according to the American Heart Association. The City Council in January approved an amendment to its smoking ordinance that prohibited smoking on open patios and balconies. On Wednesday, the council made additional changes to the amendment to include screened-in and enclosed patios. On enclosed patios, residents would only be allowed to smoke if all patio windows and doors are closed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 16 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 California ST. GEORGE -- Dorchester County Council not only tabled for a second time a law to ban workplace smoking but also tabled a motion to require smoking or no-smoking signs in those businesses. Councilman David Chinnis had proposed the sign law as a compromise to the smoking ban, which has council divided. He derailed a vote on the smoking ban at a Monday meeting by asking to table it again after council members' comments made it apparent it would not be approved. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 8 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina PUBLIC PARKS serve many functions. They are gardens, rallying places, sports turf, hiking spots, dog-walking spaces, and more. To preserve all these functions, curators maintain a flexible set of rules — pets are allowed in some places, but not others; walking on the grass is okay in certain areas, but not everywhere. In at least some places, there are bans on certain types of food, attire, and noise. The goal is to ensure the maximum enjoyment for the maximum numbers of people. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 11 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts The statewide law extended the smoking ban to bars since it took effect July 1. Now, some lawmakers are trying to get a bill passed that would give bars selling lottery tickets, the option to bring back smoking. The current law does not apply to the gaming floor of a lottery or racetrack gaming facility. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 5 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas Even though he still feels like deciding whether or not to allow smoking should be up to individual bar owners, Tracy Hawk says he isn't a fan of a proposed new exemption to the state's ban on smoking in public places. House Bill 2340 would create a new exemption under which bars authorized to sell lottery tickets under the Kansas lottery act could permit patrons to smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 5 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas (Reuters) - Smoking in New York City's parks, beaches, boardwalks, pedestrian plazas and other public spaces will be banned from May 23 despite complaints about excessive meddling by government in people's private lives. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 23 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 New York FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — A Fayetteville alderman wants to ban smoking in the city's bars. Adella Gray wants to eliminate an exemption that some bars have to the city's smoking ban that was approved by voters in 2004. She told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette she expects the City Council to discuss the proposal at its May 3 meeting. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AR.htm 28 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Arkansas Los Angeles' 15-year-old smoking regulations are about to be expanded. Come Tuesday, smoking will be prohibited both inside and outside of restaurants. The ordinance (pdf), passed unanimously by City Council in January 2010, is likely to have a mixed reaction from restauranteurs, patrons, and passerbys in one of the greatest cities for year-round al fresco dining in the world. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 4 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 California Los Angeles is gearing up to become the nation's largest city with smoke-free outdoor dining. Starting Tuesday, it will be illegal to smoke in outdoor dining areas throughout the 500-square-mile city, including at restaurant patios and around mobile food trucks. City officials on Thursday launched a public education campaign about the new law that was adopted in January 2010 with a one-year grace period to give business owners time to prepare. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 4 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 California PIERRE, SD and HARTFORD, CT -- The smoking battle is moving into high gear in South Dakota and Connecticut. The two states have joined, or may soon join, several other states that are debating -- or litigating -- whether there is a right to smoke in private clubs and restricted-entry establishments. Currently, 29 states have banned smoking in all public venues including bars and restaurants. But some states have also carved out exemptions for such private venues as cigar bars, veterans' clubs and video poker lounges, among other commercial establishments that are not open to the general public. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CT.htm 3 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Connecticut Plenty of House members smoke cigarettes on the balcony outside the Speaker’s Lobby, but it’s widely known that smoking inside the ornate hallway is against the rules set up by Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) four years ago. So when the distinct odor of cigar smoke wafted through the lobby, it immediately captured the attention of a few reporters and members of staff. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_DC.htm 2 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington D.C. Savannah's new smoking ordinance has some bar patrons finding creative ways to enjoy a night out at their favorite hangout. Dale Holly and his friends have set up chairs and a little table outside of Pinkie Masters. "I am sitting out here because I want to comply. So I am sitting here drinking beer and smoking." That is until Metro Police showed up in reference to a complaint. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 22 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia The attempt to impose a no-smoking ban on the state of Indiana has cleared its first step in the Legislature. The Indiana House Public Health Committee voted 9-3 to endorse the bill making it illegal to smoke in public places and indoor worksites, but not before it exempted bars, fraternal clubs, nursing homes, horse racing tracks, and casinos. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 28 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana DES MOINES — State law made it illegal to light up in most public places in Iowa in 2008, but state-licensed casinos were given a pass for their gaming floors. Even before the statewide ban, there had been legislation introduced to ban smoking in casinos, but that — as anyone who has spent time in an Iowa casino probably knows — hasn’t caught on. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IA.htm 26 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Iowa AUGUSTA — Citing statistics showing that poor Mainers smoke at a higher rate than the rest of the state's population, state Sen. Tom Saviello submitted a bill to prohibit smokers from receiving Medicaid benefits. Saviello, R-Wilton, contended that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay medical expenses for smokers through the state's MaineCare program. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ME.htm 2 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Maine A proposed 500 percent excise tax increase on ‘other tobacco products’ could decimate Maryland’s cigar and pipe tobacco businesses, according to the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association. Maryland House Bill 853 and Senate Bill 654 both propose to increase the excise tax rate on tobacco products other than cigarettes from 15 percent to 90 percent with a $3 cap on cigars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 2 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland Smokers in Boston may find themselves with fewer places to light up as two city council members are proposing a ban on smoking in public parks and beaches. Councilors Felix Arroyo and Salvatore LaMattina have ordered a public hearing to discuss the ban, with a decision to be made within the next few weeks. “What I would like to accomplish is a cleaner city where people can stroll the parks and enjoy our beaches in a smoke free environment,” LaMattina said in a press release. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 21 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. -- The smoking ban went into effect May 1, but that's not stopping some people. Even with "No Smoking" signs clearly posted, some bars are letting the patrons run the pub. The I-TEAM went undercover to observe whether customers and businesses abided by the new law. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 23 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan The smoking ban went into effect May 1, but that’s not stopping some people — tonight at 11 the I-TEAM will show you which bars are letting patrons blow smoke in the face of the law. “Tonight At 11: TV5 Goes Undercover To Catch Smoking Ban Violators” is categorized as “local”. This video was licensed from Grab Networks. For additional video content, click the “video” tab at the top of this page. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 21 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi lawmakers won't pass a bill this year to ban smoking in public places. House Public Health Committee Chairman Steve Holland says a bill that passed the Senate last month had "no substance" because it would've repeated a state law that already bans smoking in government buildings. Holland chose not to bring the bill up for a vote because he says there wasn't enough support for it. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MS.htm 1 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Mississippi It's not about health. The April 5 general election will have a proposal on the ballot to ban smoking in all workplaces and public places within Springfield. The petition was initiated by Clean Air Springfield, but it was not a local idea. A national organization, Americans for Non-Smokers Rights from California www.no-smoke.org is actually behind the petition. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 5 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Election day is one month away and the smoking issue in Cape Girardeau is beginning to heat up. At their regular meeting on Thursday, the Old Town Cape Board of Directors voted to oppose the proposed smoking ban ordinance over concern for rights of individual business owners. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 4 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri OKLAHOMA CITY -- Individual cities could get their chance to outlaw smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places. Health leaders and lawmakers presented a new plan to make the measure happen Tuesday. State law has kept cities and towns from passing bans on smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OK.htm 23 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Oklahoma FLORENCE, SC -- The question “smoking or non” appears simple on the surface, but Florence City Council members and residents found out that, like an onion, that issue has many layers and is liable to cause tears. Emotions ran high, but the discussion was largely civil at Moore Intermediate School in Florence. Supporters of the ordinance that would ban smoking indoors for most city businesses wore blue, some with large “Smoke Free!” pins on their chests. Many present opposing the ordinance wore red clothing, one speaker saying because they bled “Constitution red.” http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 23 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina Smoking is not allowed in most public places in Abilene, but about 10 miles south of town, patrons of the Bar-B-Que Barn in Buffalo Gap are still permitted to pull up a bar stool and light a cigarette. Currently, Texas cities decide on an individual basis whether to allow smoking in public, but that may change if a proposed statewide smoking ban gets support from lawmakers in Austin. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 2 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas A company headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia says it's on the verge of what could be an Alzheimer's disease breakthrough. And, the ingredient for the cure comes from an unlikely source: tobacco. "We've been in the tobacco business for many years", says David Dean with Star Scientific. Star Scientific is in the business of trying to help smokers find alternatives. But the company is making news because they say an ingredient found in its most recent product, CigRx, has the potential to fight Alzheimer's. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_VA.htm 3 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Virginia RICHMOND, Va. -- One member of the House of Delegates tried this year to do for his colleagues what they've done for others: ban smoking. Despite broadened prohibitions in recent years on lighting up around the commonwealth, smoking is allowed in state lawmakers' offices. An executive order signed in 2006 by then-Gov. Timothy M. Kaine prohibits lighting up in offices occupied by executive branch agencies, including colleges and universities, and state-owned vehicles. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_VA.htm 28 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Virginia CHARLESTON -- A plan to pay down the state's retiree benefit obligations was snuffed out by lawmakers Feb. 28 after Senate leaders tried to tie it to an increase in the state's tobacco tax and mandating insurance coverage for autistic children. The Senate Finance Committee voted 9 to 8 against passing a bill to shore up the state's other post-employments benefits program, or OPEB, after committee leaders amended it to include a tax hike for cigarettes and other tobacco products. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WV.htm 28 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 West Virginia SmokeFree Wisconsin announces their new work as Health First Wisconsin Madison, Wis. – Smoke Free Wisconsin, which helped lead Wisconsin in its drive to eliminate smoking in workplaces, greatly reduce teen smoking in Wisconsin, and dramatically reduce the impact of tobacco on Wisconsin's health -- announced today it is taking its public health advocacy skills into new areas with a new name and new mission. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WI.htm 3 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Wisconsin More than five years after Washington voters banned smoking in most public places, state lawmakers on Thursday took up a bill that would make an exception for a limited number of tobacco retailers. The Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard public testimony on a measure that would permit up to 100 cigar lounges and 500 retail tobacco shops to apply for state license endorsements to allow cigar and pipe smoking on their premises. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 17 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington OLYMPIA, Wash. - Business owners battled public health officials at the Capitol Thursday over a bill to change the state's smoking ban. The proposed law would create an exemption for cigar smokers by allowing smoking lounges in bars, restaurants and tobacco shops. The exemption would not allow cigarette smoking in any of the lounges. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 17 Feb 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington Three years after the Smoke Free Illinois Act made it illegal to smoke in public places, the issue is back on the table with three bills Illinois legislators are considering to end the ban on smoking in casinos and some bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 11 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois For the first time since illinois' smoking ban went into effect, a bill to allow smoking in certain establishments is on it's way to the house floor. House bill 1310 gives local governments the power to grant individual smoking licenses, much like licenses for liquor. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 18 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois PEORIA — The possibility that the state's smoking ban could be relaxed for some establishments was met with guarded optimism Thursday, one day after legislation that would allow puffing in casinos and some taverns was sent to the Illinois House. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 10 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois GARY | A Northwest Indiana state representative sneaked back into the state Monday to hear his Illinois counterpart discuss her battle for approval of smoke-free legislation and to provide an update on his own smoking legislation efforts. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 14 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana GARY | A Northwest Indiana state representative sneaked back into the state Monday to hear his Illinois counterpart discuss her battle for approval of smoke-free legislation and to provide an update on his own smoking legislation efforts. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 11 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana PLYMOUTH — Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Or a very nice cigar. Geoff Yalenezian has been passing around cigars lately to celebrate the rebirth of Brennan’s Smoke Shop at a new location. After years at 30 Main St., Brennan’s is moving to 2A Court St. Yalenezian’s mother, Karen Brennan Fontana, opened Brennan’s in 1992, continuing a family tradition. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 11 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts Regarding John Tominsky’s Monday letter to the editor, headlined “Casinos should respect patrons and ban smoking”: I quit smoking 28 years ago, but I do recognize certain facts. Like it or not, gambling, smoking and drinking go together. Some casino patrons do smoke, especially in casinos that cater to tourists. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 10 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada When they say you’re lighting it up on the golf course, that usually refers to great sub-par scoring. However, as of May 23, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will give it a whole new meaning with the bill he recently signed prohibiting smoking on or in city-owned beaches, parks and public squares. That, of course, means no smoking on our public golf courses — Silver Lake, LaTourette and South Shore. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 13 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 New York Laguna Woods has become the first city in Orange County to prohibit smokers from lighting up on their home patios. The City Council on Wednesday gave final approval to an amendment to its smoking ordinance that prohibits smoking on patios and balconies. The new law, which will go into effect in 30 days, applies whether the patios are open or enclosed, although residents would be allowed to smoke on enclosed patios if all patio windows and doors are closed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 16 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 California SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - Posters are going up in Savannah to make sure St. Patrick's Day visitors know something's changed since last year - lighting up a cigarette is no longer allowed in the city's bars and pubs. A city ordinance banning smoking in bars took effect Jan. 1. The new law will get a big test Thursday, when hundreds of thousands from across the country are expected to line up for beers in Savannah during its sprawling St. Patrick's Day parade. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 16 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) - State lawmakers in Illinois are busy trying to improve business – in casinos and elsewhere – by making exceptions to the state’s no-smoking law and also adding slot machines to horse racing tracks. A bill sponsored by State Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) would allow local authorities to issue “smoking licenses” to such businesses as bars and strip clubs. It passed a House committee, as did separate bills to allow smoking in casinos. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 18 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois Illinois smokers and bar owners don't know whether to applaud or dive for cover as the General Assembly deals with bills that would either hike cigarette taxes or ease the 3-year-old smoking ban in some businesses. "This is the first I've heard of it, but (the tax) doesn't surprise me," said Ron Abel, adjutant for VFW Post 5129, which operates a bar at Sixth and Payson Avenue. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 17 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois A House committee lit the fuse Friday on a bill imposing a ban on smoking in casinos regulated by the state. In less time that it takes to smoke a cigarette, the House Health and Human Services Committee approved the bill during an emergency meeting in a third-floor hallway at the Statehouse. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 17 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas TOPEKA | In a hastily called meeting in a Capitol hallway, the Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday advanced a bill to ban smoking in casinos. The vote came a day after the panel held hearings on that and a competing bill that would have exempted bars that sell lottery tickets from the statewide smoking ban passed last year. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 17 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas TOPEKA, Kan. – Legislation that would relax smoking bans in bars but would end state-owned casinos’ exemptions from the statewide smoking ban surfaced in the Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee Wednesday. Testimony before a packed committee room came from a long list of opponents and supporters of the bills-- House Bill 2039, which would delete state-owned casino’s exemption from the smoking ban, and House Bill 2340, which would allow smoking in bars that sell lottery tickets. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 16 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Smoking brought dozens of people to a public forum on Tuesday night. At issue is whether smoking should be banned in public places -- including restaurants, bars and businesses -- throughout the Queen City. Voters will decide the ballot initiative on April 5. Before they cast their ballots, both sides presented their arguments. "Secondhand smoke is a proven health hazard, not just a nuisance," said Dr. David Redfern, who is for the smoking ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 15 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri Employees and residents across the state received greater protection from second-hand smoke in 2007 after the passage of Louisiana's Smoke-Free Air Act. However, the act left a segment of the population exposed to the health risks associated with second-hand smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 17 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana SCARBOROUGH — Many residents and beach users came out on a rainy Wednesday night to attend a public hearing on whether the town should ban smoking and tobacco use on its public beaches. All but one speaker were in favor of the ban, many citing the effects of second-hand smoke and litter from cigarette butts as the reason for their support of the ordinance. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ME.htm 17 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Maine When the WSJ's Craig Karmin reported yesterday that at least half a dozen Manhattan co-ops may begin prohibiting residents from lighting up at home come spring, more than a handful of New Yorkers were no doubt peeved. Still, at least one group probably rejoiced: health experts. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 17 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 New York When the WSJ's Craig Karmin reported yesterday that at least half a dozen Manhattan co-ops may begin prohibiting residents from lighting up at home come spring, more than a handful of New Yorkers were no doubt peeved. Still, at least one group probably rejoiced: health experts. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 16 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington MONTGOMERY — One thing hasn't changed at the Alabama Legislature since it switched from Democratic control to Republican control. That's concern about legislation that would ban smoking in all public places. Republican Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin of Pelham has been trying to restrict smoking for several years without success. She ran into trouble again Wednesday with a bill in the House Health Committee to ban smoking in all public places. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 23 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House voted Tuesday to lift a smoking ban in all of the state’s casinos during a debate that pitted the health of bettors and casino workers against hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues. The proposal, which passed 62-52 and now moves to the state Senate, represents a significant softening of the state’s 2008 anti-smoking law that banned tobacco use in virtually all indoor public areas. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 30 Mar 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House’s vote last week to exempt casinos from the 2008 Smoke Free Illinois Act could lead to a first in the nation’s history – the first time a state has weakened a statewide smoking ban. Thirty-five states prohibit indoor smoking in public places, Illinois among them. Some of those have exemptions for some establishments, including bars or casinos. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 1 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois Members of the Fayetteville Council of Neighborhoods last week weighed in on a proposal that would ban smoking in all of the city’s bars. The measure, sponsored by Ward 1 alderwoman Adella Gray, would be a change to the current law which allows smoking in bars. If passed, the proposal would affect about 30 local establishments. Tyler Clark, project coordinator at Northwest Arkansas Tobacco-Free Coalition, argued in favor of the proposal and said that in order to protect the health of its workers and residents, the city needs a total ban on smoking in bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AR.htm 5 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Arkansas SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California was a pioneer in prohibiting tobacco use in the workplace during the 1990s, but the ban left loopholes that a state lawmaker now wants to close. State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier said other states have since surpassed California and enacted more expansive crackdowns on smoking in the workplace. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 11 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 California SACRAMENTO -- California lawmakers are looking to expand the state's workplace smoking ban, adding hotel lobbies, break rooms and even tobacco stores to the list of places where you can't light up. A 1994 state law was among the most restrictive smoking measures in the nation at the time. Since then, 25 states have passed stronger laws intended to protect workers from exposure to secondhand smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 10 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 California INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana lawmakers snuffed out a statewide public smoking ban Wednesday after the American Cancer Society and other advocates said it included too many exemptions. The Senate Public Policy Committee voted 8-1 against the measure, which would have banned smoking in most workplaces, including restaurants, but would not have applied to bars, casinos, nursing homes, fraternal clubs and smoke shops. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 6 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Holding up a see-through plastic bag of cigarette butts that she had personally gleaned from Allen Pond Park, Merrily O'Hara joined a chorus of Bowie residents urging the City Council Monday to ban smoking in city-owned parks. "Smoke-free parks is a no brainer," said O'Hara to applause from other residents at the City Council meeting. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 7 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland Boyd Cottrell says his Warren bar, complete with lottery machines, is no different from the Detroit casinos. But his patrons at Sporty O'Toole's can't smoke while they gamble, he says, unlike casino patrons, because of Michigan's smoking ban that took effect May 1. Gaming floors at Detroit casinos are exempt from the ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 4 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan O'Fallon Councilman Jim Pepper has followed through on his threat to complain to the IRS about the political work of Tobacco-Free St. Louis. Pepper yesterday filed a complaint with the IRS, charging that the non-profit organization, organized as a 501(c)3, is both engaged in excessive lobbying and involved with a political campaign. 501(c)3 organizations are only permitted to do an insubstantial amount of lobbying -- a maximum of twenty percent of annual expenditures for small non-profits like Tobacco-Free St. Louis -- or risk losing their non-profit status. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 8 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri Smoking was allowed once again at the Four Seasons Restaurant Tuesday night as Cigar Aficionado boss Marvin Shanken kicked off a charity fundraising auction for Michael Milken's Prostate Cancer Foundation that netted $1.8 million. "This was a record year in terms of the amount of money raised," said Shanken, who brought the event back after skipping the past two years due to the economy. Twenty different cigar brands were smoked at the pre-dinner cocktail party in the Grill Room. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 9 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 New York Yesterday the New York Times ran an instructive piece detailing the correlation between high tobacco taxes and vibrant black markets: Itinerant cigarette vendors have long been a fixture in some parts of the city, like bodegas that sell individual cigarettes in violation of state law. But with cigarette prices up and the number of smoke-friendly places down, the black market for loosies is now thriving on the streets. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 5 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 New York The legal dispute is ongoing in the case of a local nightclub owner cited for allowing smoking at his establishment. The attorney for Charles S. “Steve” Denton, owner of Player's Choice Billiards and Sportsbar in Winterville, filed a petition seeking judicial review in Pitt County District Court last month. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NC.htm 9 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 North Carolina Am I living in the United States of America or the United States of Nazi? When the “ban” (law) against smoking in Florence is passed I know it will be the United States of Nazi. Since tobacco is a legal substance, to “ban” it is perfectly illegal. When a sensitive nose down the street smells my tobacco smoke and reports me, will I be fined, jailed, or both? http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 5 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina Amarillo, Texas - The indoor smoking ban in Texas is very close to becoming a reality... State lawmakers and health advocates across the state are very optimistic about it's chances of passing. As with most things in Texas these days, it all comes down to money... And how much of it this indoor smoking ban can save. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 8 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas Voters voiced their support for the issue last Tuesday. However, tonight the council decided 5 to 3 to go against the voters decision. People who worked to get the smoking ban passed say they are in total disbelief. They say they did everything they needed to do, and they felt tonight would just be a formality to pass the ordinance. But the city council didn't see it that way. Co-Chairperson of Smoke Free Webb City Krista Stark was shocked that council voted it down. She says, "We thought that the will of the people, and however the vote turned out, would be enacted by the city council." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 11 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California was a pioneer in prohibiting tobacco use in the workplace during the 1990s, but the ban left loopholes that a state lawmaker now wants to close. State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier said other states have since surpassed California and enacted more expansive crackdowns on smoking in the workplace. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 11 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 California GALESBURG — Some city officials are predicting a rollback of the state’s smoking ban that could allow smoking to return to bars. “I see that coming down the pipe,” said Galesburg Police Department Capt. Rod Riggs at Monday’s meeting of the city’s liquor advisory commission. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 12 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois THE STATE of New Hampshire is currently considering HB 156, a bill that would reduce the tax on cigarettes by ten cents per pack and reduce the tax on other tobacco products by 17 percent. As a member of New Hampshire’s small business community and as a member of the state House of Representatives, I wholeheartedly support this legislation and was proud to vote for two weeks ago. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NH.htm 12 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 New Hampshire SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — As quests for freedom go, it's not exactly the fight against apartheid in South Africa. But cigar smokers around the country are fed up with smoking bans that prevent them from enjoying stogies in cigar bars with friends. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 20 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington The public will breathe a little easier, knowing the Birmingham City Commission is taking extra precautions in reviewing a bistro plan for Churchill's Cigar Bar. On Monday, the commission spent about an hour reviewing the proposal before postponing any action until April 25. The commission in particular wants to make sure the establishment has an adequate ventilation system that not only provides fresh air for customers inside the bistro, but also the surrounding area. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 17 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan CARSON CITY — A bill that would partially ban smoking on college campuses passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee today. Assemblyman Paul Aizley, D-Las Vegas, amended Assembly Bill 128 to require colleges and universities to establish campus smoking zones outside of which a person would not be able to smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 15 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada ATLANTA — By 2020, every state may have bans on smoking in restaurants, bars and the workplace, federal health officials predicted Thursday, based on the current pace of adopting anti-smoking laws. The number of states with comprehensive indoor smoking bans went from zero in 2000 to 25 in 2010. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 21 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia With less than a week remaining before the city’s anti-smoking ordinance goes into effect, developments have occurred in two legal challenges to the ordinance. Warren Circuit Judge John Grise scheduled a hearing for Wednesday on the challenge to the smoking ban brought by American Legion Post 23 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1298. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 22 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows just how far California has fallen behind the rest of the country when it comes to cracking down on secondhand smoke in the workplace. When the state passed a law in 1994 banning smoking from enclosed areas of most workplaces, it was a groundbreaking idea. But in the past 10 years alone, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted total bans on indoor areas of private-sector workplaces, the CDC says in a report released Thursday. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 21 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 California City Council gave its first nod Monday to an ordinance that prohibits smoking in restaurants and during city-sponsored events. After a lengthy debate and hearing from those on both sides of the issue, council voted to approve an ordinance more restrictive than the one City Manager Ed Memmott proposed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 25 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina Bismarck's bars, truck stops and tobacco shops are now officially smoke-free. The Bismarck City Commission accepted the April 19 special election results that put the ban into effect and set its start at 1 a.m. today, after the bars closed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ND.htm 27 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 North Carolina Ben Shelly, the new president of the Navajo Nation, signed a commercial tobacco-free executive order to ban smoking in its casinos. The Navajo Nation's Twin Arrows casino and resort under construction near Flagstaff will be the first in Arizona to be smoke-free when it opens next summer, said Dr. Leland Fairbanks, who was instrumental in making Arizona’s workplaces smoke-free several years ago. He is a member of Team Navajo, which has been working diligently for the past few years to make casinos smoke-free. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 26 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- Small business owners have tough questions for county officials about a newly proposed smoking ban for all of DeKalb County. Mr. Cue's Billiards has been open for nearly 13 years at its Chamblee-Dunwoody Road location. The business has even spent almost $100,000 on air filtration for all the smoke their customers exhale. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 22 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia It’s been more than a year and a half since UNM became a “smoke-free” campus, but so far no one has been punished for smoking outside of designated areas. Student Conduct Officer Rob Burford said five or six people have been warned to obey the policy. He said punishments for continued tobacco violations include probation, community service and even suspension. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NM.htm 27 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 New Mexico GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)— A smoking ban proposal could encompass 175 parks and recreational facilities in Greensboro. According to the Greensboro News & Record, city officials are considering a proposal that would include parks, recreational facilities, greenways and trails in parts of Greensboro. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NC.htm 25 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 North Carolina LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - If you can picture a world where smoking is illegal, the Center for Disease Control says you've just imagined 2020. A new CDC study shows in about a decade the entire nation could have laws banning smoking in all indoor areas of private sector worksites, restaurants or bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 22 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas Some refer to this shop on the square in Charleston as a "man cave." Customers come in for the masculine atmosphere and to meet up with friends. They come in for the cigars, card playing, and relaxation. But, for others, it is an education. "The most unique thing about my shop is you can see how a cigar is made from start to finish," said Marvin Mirick, owner of Indio Cigar Factory. "You also get the benefit of my vast knowledge of cigars, tobacco and trends in the industry." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 24 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois Macon’s tighter rules on smoking are going back to the drawing board, sent there by a mayoral veto Thursday. Macon Mayor Robert Reichert said he thinks the measure was passed without sufficient public input. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 29 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia City officials said a referendum petition will not be able to repeal the citywide smoking ban passed by voters in the April 5 election. The smoke-free O’Fallon measure passed with 73 percent of the vote, banning smoking in most of the city’s bars, restaurants and public places. It is set to go into effect on June 16. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 28 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri The Oregon House approved stiffer restrictions on smoke shops to stop the growth of hookah lounges in the state in a 35 to 23 vote. Rep. Carolyn Tomei, D-Milwaukie, co-sponsor of the House Bill 2726, said a loophole in state law has allowed hookah lounges, which target 18-24-year-olds, to open and grow at swift rates over the past three to four years. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OR.htm 28 Apr 2011 11:11 -0800 Oregon Hank Szumiesz kicked back in a dimly lit corner of a subterranean North End cigar bar, thick smoke curling from his $27 Ashton VSG stogie filled with aged Dominican tobacco. “What harm does it do?’’ said Szumiesz, a 53-year-old electrical contractor who was celebrating a birthday with three friends at the bar, Stanza dei Sigari. “You have a great time with the boys. It’s a nice atmosphere. It’s comfortable.’’ http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 04 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts CAPE MAY — City Council will consider creating smoke-free beaches in 2012, but it does not plan to take any action this year. Council listened to a presentation Tuesday from Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy, or GASP, before making a decision to do more research. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NJ.htm 04 May 2011 11:11 -0800 New Jeresy DES MOINES — For about 40 minutes Tuesday, the wheels appeared to fall off what most in the Legislature described as the "non-controversial gambling bill." The political waters became choppy when House Speaker Kraig Paulsen allowed debate on an amendment that would require casinos to be smoke-free if they want to avoid future referendums on their gambling license. But things eventually came together. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IA.htm 03 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Iowa One day after Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly signed an executive order that bans smoking in public spaces and worksites on the Navajo Nation, the group building a casino on Navajo land is threatening to pull out of the deal. Bob Winter, CEO of Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, an entity owned by the Navajo Nation, told the Phoenix Business Journal that smoking bans in other casinos on the Navajo Nation have reduced income by as much as 25%. The casino will not be built if the smoking ban applies to it, he told the Journal. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 27 April 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona TOPEKA — A bill to ban smoking on the floor of state-owned casinos is making one final appearance this legislative session. In a hastily called meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee today, Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, stripped an old Senate bill and replaced the language with the smoking ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 4 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas Faced with increased competition from gaming in other states, Las Vegas hotels and resorts have been less than enthusiastic about an outright ban of smoking in their casinos. A number of casinos on the Strip and in Las Vegas have tried to accommodate nonsmokers by setting aside smoke-free table games or slot machine areas. But anti-smoking activists say it isn't enough. They want an outright ban on smoking in Nevada casinos. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 3 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada CAPE MAY — City Council will consider creating smoke-free beaches in 2012, but it does not plan to take any action this year. Council listened to a presentation Tuesday from Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy, or GASP, before making a decision to do more research. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NJ.htm 4 May 2011 11:11 -0800 New Jersey NEW YORK CITY’S ban on smoking in its parks and on its beaches won’t go into effect until May 23, but notices about the rule are already appearing on benches and lampposts around town. The City Council passed the ban on the principle that a nonsmoker shouldn’t have to inhale even a tiny amount of secondhand smoke, whether in a bar or a Central Park meadow. But while there is a strong public-health case for banning smoking indoors, the case for banning it outdoors is much weaker — particularly when it runs the risk of a backlash that could undermine the basic goals of the antismoking movement. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 5 May 2011 11:11 -0800 New York SALEM -- As Oregon lawmakers and advocacy groups have sought to make the state's indoor buildings smoke free, they say one type of business was unintentionally exempted from the rules -- hookah lounges. Hookah lounges are popular among college-age kids, who frequent the businesses to hang out, study and socialize while smoking flavored tobacco from water pipes. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OR.htm 30 April 2011 11:11 -0800 Oregon OLYMPIA, Wash. — State lawmakers are looking to ease Washington's strict smoking ban by allowing cigar and pipe smoking for a limited number of tobacco retailers. A key Senate committee approved a bill Thursday that would permit up to 100 cigar lounges and 500 retail tobacco shops to allow smoking. Cigarettes would still be banned. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 5 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington Lomira – Since Wisconsin’s smoking ban went into effect last July, bars and restaurants across the state have been smoke-free, at least they’re supposed to be. However, some bar owners admit to allowing it under certain circumstances. “Do I allow it? No. After 10 o'clock occassionally have I said if it's people I know? Yes, I have,” Karen Rogne, Rock the House owner, said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WI.htm 29 April 2011 11:11 -0800 Wisconsin Smoking no longer will be allowed at the Glacier Peaks Casino in Browning. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council voted 5-4 Monday for a total smoking ban. "The council believes we're putting our people's health above all," Tribal Chairman Willie A. Sharp Jr. said. "The opportunity will still be there to go and gamble, just minus the smoke." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MT.htm 9 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Montana SPRINGFIELD -- The sponsor of a proposal allowing smoking in Illinois casinos says the idea might be dead because of opposition in the Senate. State Rep. Daniel Burke, D-Chicago, said Wednesday he thought Senate President John Cullerton would not allow the legislation exempting casinos from the statewide indoor smoking ban to be called for a vote in a Senate committee. The Illinois House has already approved the measure. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 11 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois Sunday's column will be about the converse of Maryland's recent decision to allow wine shipments direct to consumers: Maryland's new ban on the shipment of cigars to consumers, which has smokers bombarding Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot with emails. An excerpt from the column: http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 12 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland Mount Clemens— A Macomb County bar owner is taking his battle over the constitutionality of the state's smoking ban to the state's appeals court. The attorney for Boyd Cottrell, owner of the Warren bar Sporty O'Toole's, filed an appeal Thursday with the state Court of Appeals a few weeks after a Macomb County Circuit judge denied Cottrell's request to declare the law unconstitutional. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 10 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan At an anti-smoking conference in Las Vegas this week, the lawyer behind one of the largest settlements against a casino for allowing smoking said similarly expensive lawsuits are likely as casino workers across the country seek his advice in pursuing complaints against their employers. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 12 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada VIDEO: Smokers in Minot have the pleasure of lighting a cigarette while grabbing an adult beverage. A handful of bars in the Magic City allow smoking, but the question is, for how long? Bismarck voters recently passed a ban on smoking in bars, and there is a group in Minot, who is looking to do the same thing here. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ND.htm 3 May 2011 11:11 -0800 North Dakota There's a new and dangerous business strategy being employed in the United States. Corporations are creating Foundations who give grants to non-profits who push for laws that move their products. One thing the corporations, foundations and non-profits all share is profitability. One such corporation is Johnson and Johnson. Those who share in the profits are their partners. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FED.htm 11 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Federal CARSON CITY -- Lawmakers have introduced a surprise bill to lift the ban on smoking in bars that serve food, a move that might have generated more buzz Friday night if many taverns weren't already breaking the law. Inside the Tap House in Las Vegas, which cheerfully declares itself "smoker friendly!" on its façade, smokers and nonsmokers already sit side-by-side near patrons eating dinner. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 21 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada A California bill passed by the state Senate last week regarding smoking in apartments could have a major impact in West Hollywood by giving landlords ammunition to evict smokers. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 19 May 2011 11:11 -0800 California Smoking would be banned in Louisiana bars under a measure that squeaked out of a state Senate committee Wednesday. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted 4-3 to advance the measure after eliminating a casino smoking ban that had been included. “We take what we can get,” said state Sen. Rob Marionneaux, D-Grosse Tete, sponsor of Senate Bill 133. “If it’s the will of the Legislature we will take bars.” http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 18 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana Sunday's column will be about the converse of Maryland's recent decision to allow wine shipments direct to consumers: Maryland's new ban on the shipment of cigars to consumers, which has smokers bombarding Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot with emails. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 12 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland Lansing— Smoking is down, but not gone from Michigan's restaurants and bars. There were almost 1,500 smoking violations recorded in the first year of the state's public smoking ban, according to a survey of local health departments conducted by the Michigan Department of Community Health and released today. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 19 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan AUSTIN — A ban on smoking in Texas bars and restaurants has been snuffed out. Senators tell the Associated Press that the proposed ban has been stripped out of one of the final spending bills before the Legislature. Supporters have tried for several years to restrict smoking in public places on a statewide basis. They hoped tying one to a critical spending bill would get it passed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 26 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas The Republicans who control the Alabama Legislature like to brag about how fast they can pass bills they believe are important to Alabamians. Where one issue is concerned, they're no better than the Democrats who preceded them. Since the start of the session in March, a strong bill sponsored by Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin, R-Indian Spring, that would regulate tobacco use and cigarette smoking has awaited action in the House. Then in April, state Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, dropped a nearly identical bill in the Senate. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 21 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama When the Fayetteville City Council adopted a public workplace smoking ban in 2003, only two types of businesses were exempted: bars and retail tobacco stores. If a proposed amendment to that ordinance is passed on June 7, Fayetteville bar owners will have about seven months to remove all ashtrays and make adjustments in preparation for a law that would ban smoking inside every bar in town. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AR.htm 20 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Arkansas A California bill passed by the state Senate last week regarding smoking in apartments could have a major impact in West Hollywood by giving landlords ammunition to evict smokers. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 19 May 2011 11:11 -0800 California Two weeks after getting stubbed out on the floor of Macon City Council chambers, an ordinance to further tighten anti-smoking rules is ready to ignite again -- with some changes and possible cooperation with Bibb County. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 20 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), a non-profit taxpayer advocacy organization, reiterated its opposition to HB 591, legislation that would raise taxes on tobacco products. ATR notified members of the Louisiana House this week that a vote in favor of HB 591 would violate the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a commitment that sixteen members of the Louisiana House have made to their constituents to oppose any and all efforts to raise taxes. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 25 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana I DON’T smoke, but I spent a pleasant hour and a half recently at one of Boston’s cigar bars, which are targeted for elimination by Mayor Menino (“Victory stogie,’’ Metro, May 4). Three male friends and I frequented the cigar bar before heading to the TD Garden for a Bruins game. We shared a great bottle of red wine while my friends enjoyed their pick of the wide selection of cigars. We struck up easy conversations with each of the other men in the room, whose ages ranged from about 35 to 75. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 11 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusettts When Springfield's new smoking ordinance takes effect in June, patrons will be able to continue smoking legally on restaurant patios -- even those with roofs -- as long as the walls don't extend to the ceiling on all sides. Add floor-to-ceiling wind screens, however, and smoking is out, even if all the flaps are raised. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 20 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri My recent column on the proposed changes to the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 to accommodate tavern owners continues to generate heat as well as smoke. Due to the importance of smoking gambling customers to the bottom lines of saloons and casinos alike, as I see it, Nevada continues to marginalize smoking as an enormous public health hazard. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 26 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada Spotting smokers breaking a controversial cigarette ban was as easy as striking a match Tuesday. Finding cops enforcing it? Not so much. Parks Department officers hadn't written a single ticket as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. And NYPD cops could do nothing but let smokers light up at pedestrian plazas where puffing was no longer allowed as of Monday. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 24 May 2011 11:11 -0800 New York EUGENE, Ore. — Al Narah, Eugene's newest hookah lounge, may have opened in the nick of time. If Oregon lawmakers pass House Bill 2726, new hookah bars would be banned from opening, but the 62 existing lounges statewide plus any established before July would be grandfathered in. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OR.htm 21 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Oregon AUSTIN - It is not a done deal, but a statewide smoking ban in public places has a good chance of becoming law. And if it happens, few people outside the Texas Legislature would be happier than Amit Bushan of Lubbock. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 22 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas Cigar aficionados could light up at their favorite bar under a bill up for a vote in the Washington Senate this week. The measure would allow cigar lounges in some bars and tobacco stores. But opponents of the change say it would overturn the will of Washington voters. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 17 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington The ordinance regulating so-called enclosed public smoking areas in the City of Sheboygan is one that has just about everybody confused. Several tavern owners say they've invested big money to build smoking rooms onto their establishments — offering ventilated areas for patrons to light up without sending them outdoors onto public sidewalks — and finding out they're not in compliance with the city ordinance. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WI.htm 18 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Wisconsin In a split vote, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee passed legislation that would allow tavern owners to serve food to their smoking customers despite a voter-approved indoor smoking ban. The lift on the smoking ban would apply to adult-only taverns or adult-only areas inside taverns. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 1 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada The state Senate rejected legislation Wednesday that would have outlawed smoking in Louisiana bars, handing a victory to bar and gambling interests that lobbied against the ban. The 22-15 rejection of Senate Bill 133 by Sen. Rob Marionneaux Jr., D-Livonia, marks at least the third time that lawmakers have refused to expand the state's 2006 law that banned smoking in restaurants and other indoor public spaces. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 1 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana A Hendricks County anti-tobacco group hopes a town hall-style meeting next week will persuade residents to support its call for more local laws to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. About four years ago, Avon and Plainfield became the only Hendricks County communities to approve smoking regulations. Brownsburg and Danville don't have any restrictions. The disparity across Indiana communities' borders had led some to lobby for statewide regulation. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 26 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana LEXINGTON, Ky. – Senate President David Williams and Louisville businessman Phil Moffett butted heads several times Monday night during the only state-wide debate of the 2011 Republican gubernatorial primary, battling over things from education to the role of the federal government. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 9 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A proposal to extend 4 cents of Louisiana's tobacco tax, which is set to expire in 2012, easily passed the Senate's tax committee Tuesday despite continued opposition from Gov. Bobby Jindal. Rep. Harold Ritchie, D-Bogalusa, sponsor of the tax renewal, said the House-approved extension would help fund health care needs that arise from tobacco use in the state. "I think it's important to our young people," Ritchie told the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. "I think it's important to our budget." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 1 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana BILOXI, Miss. (AP) — The Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi will become the first in Mississippi to go smoke-free. General manager Keith Crosby said Tuesday that when the casino opens its latest expansion on June 14, smoking won't be allowed in the casino, hotel, restaurants and bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MS.htm 31 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Mississippi Declaring that Queens, and the rest of the city, is being turned into “one big non-smoking zone”, angry smokers headed to Astoria Park on Memorial Day weekend to defy the city’s newest cigarette ban. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the law that went into effect on May 23 would make the city’s public spaces healthier, cleaner and more beautiful. “We all know that smoking is deadly, but secondhand smoke poses a similarly grave danger to public health. “Lowering the rate of secondhand smoke exposure for New Yorkers is an important step toward making our city healthier.” http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 1 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 New York Having a smoke at a city playground or pool could get you kicked off the property starting July 1, when an executive order banning smoking at more than 200 recreational centers takes effect. Mayor Nutter signed the order Monday at the Kingsessing Recreation Center. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_PA.htm 24 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Pennsylvania AUSTIN — Banning smoking in public places may save $30 million a year in Medicaid costs and more than $200 million a year in overall health care expenses, experts told a Texas legislative committee Saturday. The House Appropriations Committee voted 19-1 to recommend their colleagues approve HB 46, designed to stop secondhand smoke from polluting the air and lungs for others. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 5 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas Just outside of Ventura County lines, lighting a cigarette in public is going up in smoke as a thing of the past. Two weeks ago, the city of Carpinteria implemented a new law that bans tobacco use in almost all outdoor locations. The city of Calabasas in 2006 famously passed one of the toughest of all anti-smoking laws in the nation, as offenders face the possibility of a misdemeanor charge and residents are encouraged to report offenders to officials. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 2 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 California St. Cloud - It always seems government goofs up and doesn’t take the time to think through laws before they are passed. Just look at the ban on smoking in restaurants and bars but not in residential apartment buildings. In a bar you have mature adults who can make their own decisions. ... The choice to smoke was taken away by a law passed in part to protect the health and safety of the employees who worked these bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MN.htm 1 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Minnesota If you're going to ban smoking at corner taverns and mom-and-pop restaurants, why not ban it on the gaming floor of Ameristar Casino, too? On Tuesday night business owners asked that question, again and again, of St. Charles County Council members. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 3 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri Beach-goers didn’t waste any time blowing smoke in the face of the city’s recently enacted ban on public puffing, as dozens lit up along the Boardwalk in protest during the beach’s opening day. The “Smoke in the Park Event,” held on Saturday near Brighton Sixth Steet, flouted Mayor Bloomberg’s Smoke-Free Air Act, which passed in February and went into effect on May 23. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 1 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 New York Backers of the 2006 voter-approved smoking ban on Thursday called on the Senate Finance Committee to put $2 million - $1 million a year - in the version of the two-year state budget pending before the committee to enforce the ban. “We believe the people of Ohio, who enacted the law, want it to be enforced like other state laws,” Marianne Farmer of Centerville, senior policy director for the east central division of the American Cancer Society, said at a Statehouse press conference. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OH.htm 2 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Ohio The Legislature should immediately rewrite the indoor smoking ban. Bars and taverns closed and people were put out of work when the draconian, vague smoking ban was passed. Plus, the millions of tourists and conventioneers who spent millions in Las Vegas every year to eat, drink and smoke in a dining atmosphere were denied that right. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 30 May 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada JACKSON -- A legislator who has pushed for anti-smoking laws, and one time proposed a prohibition on lighting up at Mississippi casinos, is praising a Biloxi casino's decision to strictly limit smoking. "This is a very bold move ... and one I think the casino will be able to carve out a niche for itself," said Rep. John Mayo, a Democrat from Clarksdale whose district includes part of DeSoto County. "I am surprised and will look forward to the results." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MS.htm 6 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Mississippi Glendale wants businesses to provide designated smoking areas for their employees who light up. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 Thursday to recommend that the City Council approve the zoning ordinance amendment. New development larger than 7,500 square feet - roughly half the size of a pharmacy - or buildings undergoing extensive remodeling would need to show the location of a smoking area during the design review process. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 6 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona Smokers working at the Palm Beach County School District, the largest employer in the county, will have to cough up a little more for their health insurance next year. The district's roughly 21,000 employees have until Aug. 1 to sign a "tobacco affidavit" stating whether they smoke or use other tobacco products. Employees who either sign that they will still use tobacco after Aug. 1 or do not sign an affidavit at all will start paying a "tobacco surcharge" of at least $50 per month on their health insurance benefits starting Jan. 1, said Marilyn Boursiquot, the district's benefits manager. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 6 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Florida CHARLESTON, W.Va. - While indoor smoking bans may help provide safer workplaces, they don't necessarily decrease smoking rates. In 1995, about 25.8 percent of West Virginians said they smoked on a regular basis. That number had changed very little by 2009 despite the fact that 20 counties had enacted smoking bans. In 2009, the rate was 25.4 percent. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WV.htm 8 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 West Virginia FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - The Fayetteville City Council has failed to expand a ban on public smoking to include bars. The Northwest Arkansas Times reports that the council voted 5-3 Tuesday to add bars to the locations where smoking is prohibited. Six votes were needed to expand the anti-smoking ordinance that was approved by voters in 2004. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AR.htm 8 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Arkansas After listening to four and a half hours of public comment, the eight members of the City Council were finally able to weigh in and vote on a proposal to ban smoking in all Fayetteville bars. And that was just one of the meetings where public discussion was heard. Although a majority of aldermen voted in favor of the amendment, our prediction that the measure would fail to receive the six necessary votes to pass turned out to be true. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AR.htm 8 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Arkansas The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise is threatening to halt its planned $100 million development of new casinos near Flagstaff and Farmington because of President Ben Shelly's push to include casinos in a ban on smoking in public facilities throughout the reservation. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NM.htm 9 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 New Mexico It's getting harder all the time to figure out where conservatism begins and ends in the Texas Legislature - even though conservative Republicans own commanding majorities in both legislative houses. Take a proposal to ban smoking indoors, which has re-emerged in the special session. It won't go away. The state does not need to meddle in the businesspeople's affairs by ordering them to ban a legal activity within their walls. This issue should be decided by the businesspeople themselves, which more and more of them are doing seemingly every week throughout Texas. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 8 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas City leaders may temporarily snuff out the establishment of tobacco shops, partly because of health concerns. "Is that the kind of business we want in South San Francisco?" Vice Mayor Richard Garbarino said Tuesday. "Do we want to expose our children to those kinds of things?" On Wednesday night, the City Council is scheduled to consider a 45-day moratorium, effective immediately, on granting licenses and permits for retail tobacco stores. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 7 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 California Local television reporters could be seen shooting footage outside the Copper Door Tuesday after the news broke that the Westland bar had the dubious honor of being the first establishment closed for violating Michigan's ban on smoking inside public buildings. The Wayne County Health Department ordered the bar, located on Inkster Road just south of Joy, closed for 24 hours after a health official spotted a patron smoking at the bar Friday evening. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 9 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan St. Charles County, Mo (KSDK) -- A proposed smoking ban died in St. Charles County. Last month, the county council approved a proposal to put a smoking ban on the November 2012 ballot. It would have outlawed smoking inside public restaurants, bars and establishments, except at casinos. A source said St. Charles County Co-executive Steve Ehlmann vetoed the proposal over concerns about exemptions. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 14 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri If you live in Maryland and order a box of $5 stogies over the Internet this summer, you might get busted for accepting an illegal tobacco shipment. Or you might not. Comptroller Peter Franchot says he doesn't want to enforce a prohibition on Internet sales of premium cigars that took effect May 1. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 15 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland ALBANY - A bill to allow the famed Nat Sherman cigar store to offer alcohol has the Bloomberg administration smoking mad. Team Bloomberg sees the bill as an attempt to make an end-run around the city's tough indoor smoking law. Current law allows smoking in tobacco shops, but prohibits it in places where food and booze are served. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 17 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 New York GEORGETOWN, Del.- Some smokers in Sussex County are celebrating a rare victory. The Georgetown Town Council rejected a proposed smoking ban for the town's iconic circle and two parks at a June meeting. Mayor Brian Pettyjohn said council members were concerned the proposal would go too far in restricting a legal substance. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_DE.htm 16 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Delaware PROVINCETOWN — A proposed outdoor smoking ban drew a full house of protesters to a town board of health public hearing Thursday. About 30 people showed up at town hall to say the restriction would hurt the tourism-based economy and went against the town's celebrated culture of acceptance. Some also questioned the legality of the measure. Currently, restaurants and bars may allow smoking in outdoor seating areas that are enclosed by just one wall adjoining the outdoor space. The proposed rules would ban smoking at any outdoor businesses that have food service. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 17 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts As state funding for enforcement of Ohio's smoking ban approaches its end, unpaid fines in Lucas County and throughout the state are piling up. Less than one third of $2.3 million in fines assessed since the law took effect five years ago has been collected. In Lucas County, roughly $13,000 has been paid -- not even a dent in the $245,500 that's owed. This is all growing while cash-strapped Ohio is expected to stop paying the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department $125 to investigate each report of a violation of the law forbidding smoking in public buildings. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OH.htm 20 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Ohio SALEM –After a heated and emotional debate, the Oregon Senate today passed a bill that limits the growth of hookah lounges in Oregon but delays implementation of the law, opening the door for more lounges in the coming weeks. House Bill 2726 passed with the support of 18 of 30 legislators. The bill split the 16 Democrats, eight voting for the bill along with 10 Republicans. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OR.htm 23 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Oregon In a region rich with baseball history, the Tampa Bay Rays have a wide selection of throwback jerseys worn by long-gone teams that have played in the Bay area over the past half-century. The St. Petersburg Pelicans and the St. Pete Saints were represented on throwback days. Tampa Tarpons jerseys showed up on Rays' players last year. But the jerseys chosen for the July 2 game – recreations of the Tampa Smokers design – aren't exactly identical to the originals. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 22 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Florida Starting July 1, Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines will no longer hire smokers at its hospitals and clinics. Job applicants will undergo testing for signs of tobacco use. If they test positive, they have to wait six months to reapply. One company official called the policy "living our mission of creating healthier communities." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IA.htm 3 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Iowa Marylanders can enjoy mail-order cigars on the golf course and the beach this summer after all. In a highly unusual letter sent Monday to smokers and out-of-state tobacco dealers, the office of Comptroller Peter Franchot said the department won't enforce a controversial 2010 ban on online sales and shipments of premium cigars. Franchot made the decision after being besieged by cigar fans who learned of the law when it took effect May 1. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 23 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland More than a year after Michigan’s Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law was adopted, some state lawmakers have introduced legislation that once again would allow smoking in East Lansing bars and restaurants. Four separate bills have been introduced by state Reps. Doug Geiss, D-Taylor, Tom McMillin, R–Rochester Hills, and Tim Melton, D-Pontiac, as well as state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, that would allow smoking in Michigan businesses in either smoking rooms, on outdoor patios or in licensed clubs, including veterans’ organizations. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 22 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan Sheboygan aldermen voted Monday night to replace the city's restrictive, and confusing, ordinance on enclosed public smoking areas with one that matches the state law, which allows smoking in rooms with a roof and no more than two substantial walls. The new ordinance replaces one that put the amount of wall space in a smoking area at 75 percent of the confined surface area, and leaves the minimum open space area at 25 percent. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WI.htm 20 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Wisconsin In the first month of New York City's new smoking ban in 1,700 parks and along 14 miles of beaches, the city has issued a grand total of one ticket. That single ticket went to a newspaper photographer who had been goading officials to issue a ticket, a spokeswoman for the city's Parks and Recreation Department said. The new ban—spanning parks, beaches, marinas as well as pedestrian plazas such as in Times Square—took effect May 23. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 27 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 New York GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Monday night, the Greenville city council decided to hold off on moving forward with plans to amend its smoking ordinance that would have added to its rules and enforcement. The reason, said the Mayor--the wording of the changes is too confusing, and needs to be reworked, so businesses and city leaders are on the same page. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 27 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina New York City’s ban on smoking in parks, beaches, and pedestrian plazas has been in effect for less than a month, and big-government health activists are crowing. This latest “success” comes from a coalition of federally funded anti-smoking groups and city officials trying to impose on us their personal preferences. But their justification for the ban is a gross distortion of the science. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FED.htm 27 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Federal Palatine officials say they're not setting out to be pioneers by proactively enforcing a state law that prohibits smokers from lighting up within 15 feet of an entrance — they've just reached the end of their rope. And it appears Palatine is alone in its frustration.From cities with bustling downtowns such as Naperville to bedroom communities like Hanover Park, not a single suburban police department of more than 25 polled by the Daily Herald has issued a citation since the law went into effect Jan. 1, 2008. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 5 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois PROVINCETOWN — The board of health was engulfed in a firestorm of criticism Thursday afternoon when it held a public hearing on the proposal to ban smoking on outdoor patios of restaurants. None of the capacity crowd spoke in favor of the proposal. Many questioned the board’s motivation. Appearing united in its effort, the board did not back off and, in the end, decided to further refine the language and run it by town counsel before holding another hearing on the matter. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 23 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts SALEM — Fearing that flavored tobacco is luring teens and young adults to start smoking, health advocates asked Oregon lawmakers to ban new hookah lounges. But the measure’s biggest cheerleaders have now become its fiercest critics. The state House set aside pleas from health advocates Wednesday and approved the bill by the narrowest possible margin. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OR.htm 30 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Oregon SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) -- In less than a month the town of the Summerville will be the latest SC community to butt out on cigarettes. On January 12th of this year, Mayor Berlin G. Myers casted the tie breaking vote on the ordinance to ban smoking at indoor work places. The measure is scheduled to be implemented within 6 months, so by July 12 the smoke free ordinance will take effect. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 28 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina McALLEN — A sixth attempt to limit secondhand smoke in public places died last week in the Texas Legislature, causing disappointment for smoke-free advocates and relief for some business owners and patrons. Texas House Bill 46 and its sister legislation, Senate Bill 28, which would have eliminated smoking in most indoor public places, did not make it to a vote by the time the special session ended Wednesday. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 4 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas MOBILE, Alabama -- As debate about smoking in public swells, city leaders have called a meeting seeking input regarding a potential smoking ban in Mobile . A hearing is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Mobile Government Plaza auditorium to give people 3 minutes each to say their piece on how the city should proceed on the matter of smoking tobacco in public places. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 7 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama JUNEAU EMPIRE - The Alaska Supreme Court upheld the City and Borough of Juneau’s smoking ban for private clubs on Friday, ruling in favor of the city after hearing the appeal of the local Fraternal Order of Eagles chapter, a private, nonprofit corporation. The appeal was heard in front of the Supreme Court at Juneau-Douglas High School Sept. 17, 2010, as part of Supreme Court Live, a program to help foster the understanding of the justice system for the public. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AK.htm 5 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Alaska A few weeks back, I detailed how the D.C. Council, in the course of passing the yearly budget, botched its effort to carve out an exception in the city’s indoor smoking ban for a particular fundraiser. What had been presented as a one-night exemption for the big-deal “Fight Night” fundraiser for philanthropist Joe Robert’s Fight for Children charity was instead a license for any of the city’s 79 liquor-licensed hotels to fill rooms with smoke once a year. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_DC.htm 8 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington D.C. BYRAM, Miss. -- Byram may soon become Mississippi's latest city to ban smoking. Jackie Carter, a representative from the Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition of Hinds County spoke to the Byram Board of Aldermen recently about the city going smoke-free. She presented a proposal that is similar those passed by many towns in cities in Mississippi, which bans smoking in public areas and government buildings. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MS.htm 7 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Mississippi SAN MARCOS — The city is soliciting feedback on ballot language for a proposed public smoking ban set to go before voters in November. On Tuesday, the city council voted to move ahead with the nonbinding referendum, giving council members the freedom to not enact the ban even if voters approve it. The council may also tweak the ban’s language before it becomes law. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 8 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas The California State Assembly approved Senate Bill 332 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) today. The bill empowers landlords to prohibit smoking in rental units, thus expanding the availability of smoke-free housing in California. Receiving bipartisan support with a vote of 63 - 5, the bill faces a procedural concurrence vote in the Senate (as early as this Thursday) and will then be presented to Governor Brown. Smoke-free housing policies have already been adopted in 35 California communities. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 11 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 California FULTONDALE, Alabama -- The Fultondale City Council adopted tonight what is being called the strongest smoking ordinance in Jefferson County. Effective Sept. 1, the ordinance prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places in the city, including all workplaces, private clubs and bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 11 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama On July 1, and without much of a fuss, the University campus became smoke free. Taking a page out of the nanny state constitution, it seems that the University believes personal choice is subordinate to the lifestyle they want to instill in their students. With the smoking ban, the University has created an imperious policy that infringes on the rights of the individual. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 10 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan A heat index of about 114 degrees greeted Summerville smokers Tuesday on the first day of the town's indoor smoking ban. The ban prohibits smoking indoors at public places and fines violators and business owners $10 to $25 per incident. The exceptions to the new ordinance are private residences and tobacco stores. Existing cigar bars are "grandfathered" in and are also part of the exception. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 13 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina A new bill that would allow smoking to continue in Navajo gaming facilities while prohibiting its use elsewhere is making its way to the Navajo Nation Council. The Smoke-Free Navajo Nation Act of 2011 would allow smoking at casinos until the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise pays back the money it owes the tribe and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority for casino construction loans and new infrastructure to serve them. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 14 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona CARSON CITY -- At first glance, the 2011 Legislature did nothing to make the life of John and Jane Q. Public any worse. No one will pay one cent more in taxes or additional fees during the next two years. But if you're old or young or poor, a teacher or a state employee, this legislative session won't go down as one of the best in Nevada history. And if you're a smoker, you may have your cigarette and eat too -- at bars and taverns. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 19 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada Reston health advocates -- or fun haters, depending on who's offering the description -- have started a movement to ban smoking in public areas operated by the town's neighborhood association. By Friday evening, an online petition to "expand the current tobacco smoking prohibitions to all outdoor Reston Association Common Areas" had attracted about 60 signatures. The Reston Association represents about 60,000 residents. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_VA.htm 19 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Virginia SALEM -- After some heated debate, the Oregon House agreed to send legislation limiting the growth of hookah lounges on to the governor. House Bill 2726 cleared its final legislative but not without complaints about changes added in the Senate. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OR.htm 29 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Oregon If you light up a cigarette, it will snuff out your chances to land a job with health-insurance giant Humana Inc. The health insurer said Wednesday that it will no longer hire workers in Arizona who smoke or use other tobacco products, part of a trend of employers who are cracking down on tobacco use among workers. To enforce the tobacco ban that starts Friday, Humana will test new employees for nicotine use during a pre-employment urine drug screen. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 30 Jun 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona After claiming a victory this week in Fultondale, the Jefferson County Health Action Partnership wants a "no exception" smoking ordinance adopted in every Jefferson County city. That means smoking would be prohibited in all enclosed public places, including private clubs, bars and workplaces -- even work vehicles. Many outdoor public places are included as well, such as construction sites and the common areas of apartment buildings. As for enclosed residential facilities, smoking would be prohibited in all nursing home rooms and all hotel and motel rooms. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 16 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama After a two-day discussion, the Navajo Nation Council approved a bill to allow smoking to continue in Navajo gaming facilities while banning its use elsewhere in public places. The Smoke-Free Navajo Nation Act of 2011 would allow smoking at casinos until the tribe and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority recoup the money they've spent building casinos and new infrastructure to serve them. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 23 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona With strict smoking laws in the area, it can be tough to find a place to have a stogie and a drink. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_DC.htm 13 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington D.C. In paperwork filed recently, the attorney appealing the citation and fine against American Legion Post 23 for violating the city’s smoking ban argues that the post should be exempt from the ordinance and cites a case in Lexington as being similar. Attorney Alan Simpson of Bowling Green filed a five-page brief July 12 on behalf of James Manley, chief finance officer of Post 23, who was cited April 28 for violating the ordinance. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 19 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky A number of Alexandria bar owners and employees Thursday spoke out against a proposed smoking ban in city bars. About 25 bar owners and employees attended a public meeting to discuss the proposal at City Hall on Thursday, and not one of them supported the smoking ban, according to an informal poll conducted by City Councilman Harry B. Silver. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 14 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana IN THE article about Boston’s ban on cigar bars going into effect in 2018 (“Cigar bar debate still smoulders; Two North End legislators consider fighting governor’s veto,’’ Metro, July 13), my colleague Michael Siegel is quoted as saying, “Anybody working in a bar of any kind shouldn’t have to breathe in secondhand smoke in order to make a living.’’ A spokesman for the American Cancer Society adds that we “shouldn’t make people choose between their health and a job.’’ http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 17 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts NBA legend and pop culture provocateur Dennis Rodman went big with his 50th birthday celebration in Las Vegas, hosting at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at the Paris last night and also showing up at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Paris, Crazy Horse III, XS at the Encore and Wolfgang Puck’s Riva at the Venetian while in town. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 20 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada EVENDALE – When the smoke clears, the operators of Peg’s Pub predict they will have beaten an attempt to cork the bar’s liquor license for violating Ohio’s indoor smoking ban. The operators plan to appeal a decision by the Ohio Division of Liquor Control not to renew their liquor license, said Lynn Pitzer, the father of the pub’s owner. The father and son have hired lawyer James Grey Wolf to represent them in the process. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OH.htm 23 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Ohio Ann Stern sits at a table outside Vino 100 and the Tinder Box Cigar Bar in Rapid City laughing with friends, drinking an adult beverage and smoking a large cigar. “It’s my go-to treat,” the 26-year-old said. The Petit Corona imparts notes of honey and cream when smoked. Stern, who is originally from Sioux Falls but is working in Rapid City for the summer, said she has been smoking the cigars for about four years. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SD.htm 24 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 South Dakota The Augusta Commission is moving forward with drafting a potentially tougher smoking ordinance, but the public will get its say first. The Public Service Committee of the commission voted 3-0 on Monday to have City Administrator Fred Russell work with the Richmond County Board of Health, which is backing a push for a stronger smoking ban, on drafting a proposed ordinance. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 25 Jul 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia In a surprise turnabout, San Marcos city councilmembers voted 4-3 against asking November general election voters whether the city should ban smoking in restaurants, bars and other public places. On July 5, five out of seven councilmembers expressed support for — or did not speak out against — a non-binding ballot proposition on public smoking and authorized city staff to hold public meetings and develop ballot language for the proposition. But by Tuesday, councilmembers Chris Jones and Shane Scott said they were convinced that the proposed ban shouldn’t go forward this year for a range of reasons that include fears a ban would hurt businesses during an recession. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 3 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas Police cited Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1298 on Sunday for violating the city’s ordinance against smoking, but the post intends to appeal the citation and $25 fine. The citation was issued at 3:50 p.m. Sunday to Malcolm Cherry, quartermaster for the VFW post, during a charitable gaming event hosted by the veterans organization. The citation states that the “owner (of the property) was letting customers smoke.” The ordinance bans smoking in most businesses within city limits and has been in effect since April 28. Cherry joins James Manley, an officer with American Legion Post 23, as the only people to have been formally issued citations for violating the ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 9 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly on Friday vetoed a smoking regulation act passed last month by the tribal council, saying the measure doesn't go far enough to protect the health of Navajos. Tribal lawmakers voted July 20 to prohibit smoking in public places on the vast reservation with an exemption for tribal casinos. Under the bill, the Tribal Council could reconsider the casino exemption once gaming officials pay off their financing debts. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 5 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona PORT ORANGE -- City leaders are looking to discourage smoking in public and private places by possibly restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products in convenience stores and moving smoking areas back 50 feet at main entrances to City Hall and other public buildings. The City Council also is considering banning smoking altogether or setting up a designated spot at the dog park, which is next to All Children's Park on Spruce Creek Road. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 9 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Florida St. Charles, IL — Inside Bull and Bear Tobacco shop on a warm Wednesday afternoon, a group of men lounged on leather couches smoking cigars and chatting softly among themselves. It’s a typical sight any day the shop is open. This day, however, was a little different. Suddenly, a woman walked in and began complaining openly to everyone about the “strong” smoke smell that she could detect from a nearby business. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 2 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois Alexandria again finds itself facing a decision about smoking, this time about whether to ban it in bars. In 2006, the city banned smoking in restaurants a year before the state did. Today they are considering a ban on smoking in bars and gaming establishments, the only two areas exempted from the statewide ban. Carrie Broussard, policy and advocacy manager for the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, said other communities "are considering" a complete smoking ban, but none have done so. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 7 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana ST. CHARLES, Mo. (KMOX) - St. Charles County Council member are trying to hash out, among themselves, the chances of passing a new smoking ban ordinance. County Executive Steve Ehlmann vetoed a previous attempt at a countywide smoking ban because it exempted casinos, some hotel rooms and private clubs. Ehlmann says the employees of those establishments should be guaranteed clean air. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 9 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri Ok, this is about as predictable a polling result as you could imagine, but a new NY1/Marist survey finds (drum roll, please): NYC non-smokers love the city's outdoor smoking ban, while puffers protest. Overall, 69% of NYC adults approve of nixing smoking in public places, 26% disapprove and 4% aren't sure. However, among the nearly one in five residents who say they smoke, 59% say prohibiting smoking in outdoor public places is a bad idea and 40% support it, with only 1% undecided. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 8 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 New York CARSON CITY – The American Cancer Society has dropped its appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court in a fight over allowing smoking in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The American Cancer Society, which opposes smoking because of the health hazards, signed a stipulation this week with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to dismiss its 2009 suit due to a law approved by the 2011 Legislature. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 5 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Charlie Brown (D-Gary) said he will propose a statewide smoking ban next session – for the sixth year in a row – and Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said he thinks the legislation has a chance to pass this time. "I'm a very big supporter of anything that helps people avoid cigarettes," Daniels said. "I would say each year there's been growing public support for (a ban) and so I think there's a chance next year." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 14 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Two candidates for Bowling Green City Commission have already taken the position that the city’s anti-smoking ordinance needs to be revised. “I am so mad over the smoking ban, the law itself,” said candidate Bill Goodwin. Goodwin is interested in adjusting the smoking ban to exempt clubs such as the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “It’s very upsetting that our commissioners are picking on veterans. The law is written so wrong,” Goodwin said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 11 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky Dave Karlson said sales at the All Around Bar in Taylor are down 45%, he's had to lay off 40% of his approximately 13 employees and his remaining employees have taken a voluntary pay cut. All are effects of the state's smoking ban, which took effect May 1, 2010, said Karlson, who also has cut bar hours in half. "I want to make the decisions over my own property. If I want a non-smoking establishment, I should have that. If I want a smoking establishment, I should have that," Karlson said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 14 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan In June, Jean Doublin predicted she couldn't keep the doors open to Ruthie's Bar beyond July if the smoking ban went into effect. The bar along Commercial Street continues to operate, but for fewer and fewer patrons, Doublin said. "I'm lucky if my bartender runs $50 or $60 a night," she said. Doublin filed a lawsuit in June challenging the city of Springfield's smoking ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 13 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)— The Guilford County Health Department will review a proposal Monday night that would strengthen the county's smoking ban. The proposal calls for a ban on all indoor public space smoking. Smoking in cars, private clubs, homes and outdoor spaces would be exempt from the ban. The proposal would also allow no more than 20 percent of a hotel's space to be reserved for smoking guests. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NC.htm 15 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 North Carolina MANSFIELD -- Richland County restaurants, bars and establishments owe almost $60,000 in unpaid fines for smoking ban violations, which could put some of their liquor licenses in jeopardy. For the first time, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control recently denied liquor permit renewal because a business consistently disregarded the state smoking ban and failed to pay fines. Peg's Pub, a bar in Evendale, near Cincinnati, had its license pulled last month after receiving 18 fines and failing to pay $55,900. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OH.htm 14 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Ohio SAN ANTONIO - On Aug. 19, lighting up in most places in San Antonio will be illegal. Restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, and pool halls soon all must be smoke free under the new city rules. However, some businesses say the new ordinance has already cost them business. "In anticipation of the law, we have lost a few league bowlers," said Michael Rodriguez of Oak Hills Lanes. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 12 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas SEATTLE Center's Fisher Pavilion and Fisher Green will be transformed into an upscale though nonsmoking cigar lounge and outdoor "smoking patio" Saturday. About 2,500 adults are expected to unite for a day of indulgence at the first-ever Seattle Cigar Expo. Sounds nice, right? But underneath it all is brewing the debate on cigars and the rights of smokers of all kinds. In 2005, Washington state voters passed one of the most extreme and totalitarian pieces of law ever enacted in the state when they passed Initiative 901, an overly extreme, one-size-fits-all ban of smoking in public buildings. About 71 percent of voters approved this initiative. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 16 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington FLAGSTAFF - Smoking is still legal on the vast Navajo reservation after tribal lawmakers failed to override a presidential veto of a bill that would have banned it in public places, with the exception of casinos. Lawmakers were considering an override Friday during their special session in Window Rock, but the vote fell two short of the 16 needed to overturn the veto. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 20 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona DECATUR, GA (CBS ATLANTA) - Smoking could soon be snuffed out in many parts of DeKalb County. Commissioners Tuesday morning will decide whether smokers will be allowed to light up in public places. Commissioners are expected to vote this morning on a possible smoking ban. The crackdown would block smokers from lighting up at DeKalb County bars, outdoor restaurants, parks, ATMs and strip clubs. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 23 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia Randolph Circuit Court Judge Jay Toney will preside over a lawsuit aimed at overturning Delaware County's recently enhanced smoking ban. Toney was appointed to the Delaware Circuit Court 3 case Wednesday. He will be asked to rule on a request for an immediate injunction that would at least temporarily set aside the ban, which went into effect Aug. 11. Unlike a county smoking ordinance enacted in 2006, the new measure also prohibits smoking in bars and fraternal lodges. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 17 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Within a few months the city might outlaw the smoking of cigarettes and cigars in parks, on Third Street, in front of local businesses and other outdoor areas. The city council Wednesday will consider spending up to $41,000 on a public outreach process to weigh the pros and cons of a comprehensive outdoor secondhand smoke ordinance that could prohibit tobacco smoke use in the city's parks, on the sidewalks, dining areas, recreation areas and other outdoor public places. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 22 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 California Four months after Kenton County became the first Northern Kentucky county to ban smoking inside most public establishments, the initial furor has died down, but neither side is satisfied. Enforcement issues, exemptions and the lack of uniform rules with neighboring communities raise the question of whether a community can effectively ban smoking on its own. With Campbell and Boone counties allowing smoking and Ohio having a state ban, Kenton County's ban has struggled to succeed and remains in the cross hairs of those opposed to it. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 24 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky Over 500 bar owners in Michigan are striking back at their oppressors. They've banded together, and instituted a ban on lawmakers entering their establishments. Bars have been hurting across the state since the public smoking ban went into effect last year, and Steve Mace, with Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan, tells us that state lawmakers responsible for the policy aren't welcome at many establishments now: http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 23 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan Almost nine months after the city of Creve Coeur's new smoking ordinance went into effect, City Council members passed an amendment to the law Monday which allows employers to build smoking shelters. The debate has been ongoing for much of the summer, with arguments ranging from whether the idea of allowing the shelters inherently weakened the original ordinance, or if the city was infringing on individual freedoms if the shelters were not allowed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 23 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri Smoking is dumb. That’s opinion. Smoking can kill you. That’s a fact. We know this because cigarette packages tell us so. We know this because programs in our schools tell us so. We know this because our doctors tell us so. As a result, the Centers of Disease Control says smoking has dropped by some 16 percent since 1970. So do we need more warnings about smoking? The government thinks so. That’s why it is requiring that by September 2012 tobacco companies devote half of each cigarette package to one of nine very graphic warnings the FDA unveiled in June. It’s pretty ugly stuff. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NH.htm 22 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 New Hampshire PHILADELPHIA -- As a lawsuit unfolds against the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the upcoming use of graphic images to convey the potential dangers of cigarette smoking, Philadelphia is considering its own graphic image signs--which tobacco retailers will be required to post at the point of sale. And retailers have until 4:00 p.m. EST today, Friday, August 19, to submit intent to testify or provide written testimony. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_PA.htm 19 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Pennsylvania PALMER — Palmer could be become Alaska’s next smoke-free community under an ordinance introduced at the city council’s regular meeting Tuesday night. The ordinance would prohibit smoking in all indoor work places and places of employment within city limits to protect non-smokers from the health risks associated with second-hand smoke. But in practice, just four bars would be forced to enact a ban: Klondike Mike’s Dance Hall and Saloon, the Moose Head Saloon, Palmer Bar, and the Caboose Lounge, located within the Valley Hotel. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AK.htm 25 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Alaska DECATUR, GA (CBS ATLANTA)- Smoking could soon be snuffed out in many parts of DeKalb County. Commissioners Tuesday morning will decide whether smokers will be allowed to light up in public places. Commissioners are expected to vote this morning on a possible smoking ban. The crackdown would block smokers from lighting up at DeKalb County bars, outdoor restaurants, parks, ATMs and strip clubs. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 23 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia MUNCIE -- The lawsuit over Delaware County's smoking ban needs a new judge -- again. A month after a Delaware County judge opted out of the lawsuit filed by tavern owners and fraternal organizations against the Delaware County commissioners and health department, the new judge named to oversee the trial has likewise left the case. Randolph Circuit Court Judge Jay Toney on Friday declined to accept jurisdiction in the case. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 29 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Small bar owners angered over losing their butts to the statewide indoor smoking ban plan to give lawmakers the boot. A newly formed group, Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan (PPPRM), has organized an effort to ban lawmakers from their establishments in protest against Michigan's smoking ban. This lawmaker ban is scheduled to start Sept. 1. PPPRM, which claims to have a membership of about 500 businesses, argues that the smoking ban has been disastrous for Michigan's small bar owners and their employees. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 24 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan Almost nine months after the city of Creve Coeur's new smoking ordinance went into effect, City Council members passed an amendment to the law Monday which allows employers to build smoking shelters. The debate has been ongoing for much of the summer, with arguments ranging from whether the idea of allowing the shelters inherently weakened the original ordinance, or if the city was infringing on individual freedoms if the shelters were not allowed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 23 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri South Beloit's municipal government denied the renewal of tobacco vending licenses for two city businesses, and now one of the retailers plans to contest the action with a lawsuit. Applications for tobacco selling licenses are due at the end of June, said Mayor Mike Duffy. But the submissions from Tobacco Center & Gifts, 900/902 Blackhawk Blvd., and SB Smoke Shop, 420 Blackhawk Blvd., were late and incomplete, he said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WI.htm 30 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Wisconsin Aug. 31--Morgantown City Council will consider delaying the effective date of its smoking ban until Jan. 1, 2012. Now, the law to ban smoking in all restaurants, bars and workplaces within city limits is set to go into effect Oct. 1. City Manager Terrence Moore and City Attorney Steve Fanok recommended the change during council's Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday. If the delay is adopted, it would give the city more time to work with the Monongalia County Board of Health (BOH) on a county-wide smoking ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WV.htm 31 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 West Virginia I envision myself as a rebel, and the tobacco-free policy gives me the perfect opportunity to act on this impulse. The new tobacco-free campus policy is nothing more than an attempt at the subjugation of individuality. Breathe it up ‘cats. That foul stench is not tobacco, but the smell of freedom being wrenched from the hands of students. If Texas State officials can regulate personal behavior, what comes next? Will it be the extinguishing of diversity and political opinions, deemed as mental illness? What about the banning of free speech because someone is offended? Even political science lecturer Julia Decker, who is opposed to the ban, is forced to look over her shoulder as she lights her cigarette. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 5 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Calif. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) announced today that Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law SB 332. This new law expands the availability of smoke-free housing in California by allowing landlords to prohibit smoking in rental units. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2012. “With the Governor’s action today, we will see the availability of smoke-free, multi-family housing grow throughout California,” said Senator Padilla. “While more than 86% of Californians do not smoke, there is currently very little smoke-free housing in California. Living in multi-family housing should not compromise the health of renters or their children. This new law will provide tenants with healthier choices,” said Padilla. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 7 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 California MUNCIE -- The legal battle over Delaware County's smoking ban has a new judge. Delaware Circuit Court 1 Judge Marianne Vorhees has accepted appointment as the judge in the case after two other judges declined to preside over the dispute. Vorhees accepted jurisdiction over the lawsuit on Wednesday. Vorhees also ordered that the case, originally filed in Delaware Circuit Court 3, be transferred to her court. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 31 Aug 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma State Department of Health is paying restaurants to go smoke free. The "Restaurant Smoking Room Rebate Program" hopes to boost Oklahoma health and reduce the number of restaurants that have smoking rooms. The rebate program's goal is to reduce exposure of restaurant employees and customers to secondhand smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OK.htm 2 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Oklahoma The Ohio Supreme Court will hit the road to hear one of its biggest cases of the year — a challenge of Ohio’s indoor smoking ban. Zeno’s, a Victorian Village bar challenging the 4-year-old law, gets its day in the high court on Oct. 19 in Hillsboro, 60 miles southwest of Columbus. The case is being argued there as part of the court’s semi-annual program that allows students to see Supreme Court proceedings outside Columbus. Hillsboro is not far from Brown County, the heart of tobacco country in Ohio. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OH.htm 2 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Ohio Orlando leaders want to snuff out smoking in public parks. The City Council passed a resolution Monday that urges smokers not to light up in public parks and other outdoor spots where secondhand smoke could harm children. The measure stops short of banning outdoor smoking because that's something the city doesn't have the authority to do. But it does ask the Florida Legislature to grant cities that power so Orlando officials can pursue an outright ban in the future. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 12 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Florida SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY (WAVE) - A proposed smoking ban in Bullitt County can't move forward. Bullitt Circuit Judge Rodney Burress issued his ruling Thursday saying the Bullitt County Health Department is overstepping its bounds by implementing or enforcing the ban. Burress ordered the ban, which was set to take effect on Monday, September 19, void and unlawful. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 15 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky SANTA ROSA, Calif. - Your home may be your castle. But it won't be a smoke-filled castle -- at least not in one Northern California county. Sonoma County supervisors have unanimously approved a smoking ban in apartment and condo complexes. The smoking lamp will go out next year. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 14 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 California BOULDER, Colo. -- Playing off a cheerleader/football theme, Smoker Friendly International (SFI)cheered on its 10th annual Tobacco Festival & Conference, held this Monday and Tuesday at the Millennium Harvest House here. The company also celebrated its 18th year as a brand, which is now recognized as the country's largest cigarette and tobacco outlet retailer but also encompasses its authorized dealership program (utilized even by some c-stores) and its private label tobacco products. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CO.htm 2 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Colorado Orlando leaders want to snuff out smoking in public parks. The City Council passed a resolution Monday that urges smokers not to light up in public parks and other outdoor spots where secondhand smoke could harm children. The measure stops short of banning outdoor smoking because that's something the city doesn't have the authority to do. But it does ask the Florida Legislature to grant cities that power so Orlando officials can pursue an outright ban in the future. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 12 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Florida In a widely watched vote on an issue that drew passionate pleas from both sides in the last few months, DeKalb County's board of commissioners voted against expanding a proposed smoking ban that would have made bars, strip clubs and public places smoke-free. The vote – deferred from the commissioners' Aug. 23 meeting — was 4-2, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 13 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia DECATUR, Ga. - DeKalb County County commissioners voted down an amendment aimed at expanding the county's current smoking ban on Tuesday. There was little debate on the measure with the commissioners voting it down on a 4-2 vote. Reaction was mixed after the vote. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 13 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia In the last week, cigars at the indoor cigar smoking lounge at the Bear & Bull tobacco shop in St. Charles have probably been lit for a taste test as well as a triumph. A Kane County judge recently ruled the shop was not in violation of its lease — thereby preserving the smoking lounge. Earlier this year, ShoDeen Management of Geneva accused the long-standing tobacco shop of violating its lease, arguing that noxious odors were emanating from the building. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 12 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois MUNCIE -- Both sides in the legal battle over Delaware County's new smoking ban are ready to make their arguments when the case goes to court next week. The judge in the smoking ban lawsuit has set a Friday hearing, and attorneys for the county and the tavern owners and others who oppose the ban -- which went into effect Aug. 11 -- are preparing for it. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 9 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Last time, an earthquake struck, this time a transcript delayed the secondhand smoke trial before closing arguments could be heard on Monday. When asked whether it was unusual to delay closing arguments for so long after witness testimony Greenbelt Homes Inc. defense attorney Jason Fisher replied, “Nothing is usual in this case.” http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 12 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland I am writing in hopes that Michigan lawmakers will kindly consider amending the smoking ban. I am a bar owner and am suffering huge losses, as well as the state is suffering losses. My gross revenue from Keno sales is down from over $30,000 to around $13,000, mostly because of the smoking ban. My gross revenue from alcohol sales and food sales is down over 50 percent. I have now painted a sign on the front of my building offering "free pool." I have had to resort to running pool leagues six nights a week just to try to bring in enough businesses to help me try to break even, keep my business open and keep my employees working. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 17 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan One might think that smoking bans in city parks and that graphic cigarette-pack labels coming from Washington represent the extreme of government meddling. But with statistics showing that smoking remains the No. 1 cause of preventable deaths, the Philadelphia Board of Health is considering a proposal that pushes the envelope on tobacco control: mandatory, illustrated signs on the health effects of smoking placed on the counters of every tobacco retailer in the city. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_PA.htm 14 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Pennsylvania More than 530 colleges across the country have enacted smoke-free campus-wide policies, reports no-smoke.org. JMU has no plans to follow in their footsteps, Mark Warner said. Warner, senior vice president of Student Affairs and University Planning, said there has been no recent talk among administration of making the switch. JMU Policy 1111, "Smoking Regulations," states that people who wish to have a smoking area destignated outside a particular building have to put in a petition with the building coordinator or other employee in charge. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_VA.htm 16 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Virginia PENDLETON, SC -- September 7th Update 6:00 a.m. On Tuesday night Pendleton Town Council reworded a smoking ban proposal. The new version defines a private office and makes it clear that smoking would not be allowed in private homes if public business was done there. According to 7 On Your Side's coverage partners at the Independent-Mail, council may vote next month for the first time. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 7 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina PALMER — What would making the last remaining businesses that still allow smoking go smoke-free do to Palmer? City council members got a boatload of guesses Tuesday. In the end, Palmer Mayor DeLena Johnson moved to postpone action until a full council was present to vote on an ordinance that would make all businesses in the city smoke-free. Councilman Ken Erbey was absent from Tuesday’s meeting. A 4-2 vote ensued, with only councilman Richard Best and councilwoman Katherine Vanover objecting to putting the decision off to Oct. 11. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AK.htm 15 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Alaska JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) - Jasper city council is considering a smoke ban ordinance. If passed, Jasper would join a few other cities in the state with similar bans already on the books. Public smoking bans are becoming more popular across the Birmingham metro area. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 23 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama MUNCIE -- Delaware County's defense of its smoking ban just got more expensive. The county commissioners and county board of health held a rare joint meeting Monday evening and voted to hire an Indianapolis law firm to act as the county's legal representation in the lawsuit to overturn the ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 27 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana The Clark County Board of Health will support the Bullitt County Board of Health as it appeals a Bullitt Circuit Court decision ruling a county-wide indoor smoking ban unconstitutional. Local board members voted to provide the Bullitt board with $5,000 from money received from the University of Kentucky for consulting services provided by Health Department Director Scott Lockard. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 30 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky John Cabrales, public information officer for the city of Denton, said initial reactions have been mixed, but the city is still in the research stage regarding the ordinance. “We will probably see initial results as early as December, and we will move forward from there,” Cabrales said. The proposal was first introduced by Denton resident Rebecca Smith-Murdock at the Sept. 6 City Council meeting during the citizen reports segment. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 28 Sep 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in the state's appeal of a court ruling declaring exceptions listed in the statewide smoking ban unconstitutional. Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson sided earlier this year with an Omaha pool hall that challenged the 2009 state law banning smoking in all public buildings and private businesses, including bars and restaurants. The law includes exceptions for cigar bars, some hotel rooms, tobacco-only retailers and facilities that research the health effects of smoking. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NE.htm 3 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Nebraska Smokers at Alexandria bars will be able to ring in the new year by puffing on a cigar or cigarettes. After that, however, all of the smoke will be snuffed out. The Alexandria City Council on Tuesday passed an amended version of an expanded smoking ordinance that will prevent smoking at bars and gaming establishments in city limits, as well as within 25 feet of city property and athletic arenas and ballparks. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 4 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana New regulations pushed by the Food and Drug Administration could pose a new threat to cigar manufacturers and retailers. And some of them are banding together to push back. When the FDA signaled its intent to “address public health concerns raised by cigars” in April 2010, cigar manufacturers, retailers and smokers been petitioning Congress for an exemption from the resulting regulatory burdens. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FED.htm 4 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Federal MUNCIE -- Cigarette smoking won't be allowed in Delaware County's taverns and fraternal organizations any time soon. Delaware Circuit Court 1 Judge Marianne Vorhees on Friday denied a request for a temporary injunction against the enhanced smoking ordinance that was enacted by the county commissioners in August. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 7 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana About 10 business owners attended a meeting Monday to discuss how to combat a proposed smoking ban by the city of Macon. “We do have a voice -- it’s time to stand up and exercise it,” said Tim Obelgoner, general manager of the Hummingbird Stage and Taproom in downtown Macon, where the meeting was held. “(The smoking ban) would be detrimental to our business at a time we don’t need it to be. We are struggling for every dollar we can make. We are struggling for every job we can create.” http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 4 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia A crowd of roughly 100 filed into a conference room in Boise City Hall Wednesday night to hear a presentation by Adam Park, Mayor Dave Bieter's spokesman, detailing a smoke-free ordinance that would enhance restrictions already a part of Idaho state law. Accompanying him were Jim Hall, the city's parks director, Ralph Blount of the City Attorney's Office, and Capt. Randy Roper of the police department. The ordinance proposes to ban smoking in all indoor public places—including parks and the Greenbelt—and a violation by a smoker would net a $69 citation. Additionally, businesses would incur $119 per violation, which Park says could add up quickly if a business allows patrons to smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ID.htm 6 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Idaho SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A Greene County judge ruled Wednesday that the city's voter-approved anti-smoking ordinance does not conflict with a state law. The ordinance went into effect in June after voters approved it in April. It prohibits smoking in businesses and other indoor places where the public is welcome. The owners of Ruthie's Bar, 400 E. Commercial St., sued the city before the law went into effect. They contend the ordinance conflicts with a state law, the Indoor Clean Air Act (ICAA), that requires businesses to post signs saying whether smoking is permitted. Ruthie's attorneys said the state law implicitly implies a business may allow smoking if it posts a sign, thus conflicting with the city ordinance that doesn't give a business owner a choice. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 12 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri TAMPA - Cigarettes have come under heavy taxation and regulation in recent years, but people in Tampa's homegrown cigar industry worry they will be regulated out of existence. From the beginning, Tampa has been known as Cigar City. Most of the factories are gone, but J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Ybor City is still rolling up to 55,000 sticks a day. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 17 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Florida Efforts to restrict smoking in Boston are moving from bars and office-buildings to private homes. Mayor Thomas Menino is scheduled to launch Boston’s first smoke-free housing registry on Tuesday. The initiative seeks to resolve a problem posed by secondhand smoke in multiunit housing, where toxic fumes can seep from one apartment to another and bother other residents. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MA.htm 11 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Massachusetts Jennifer Losgar was working at a bar in Augusta to help pay bills and put herself through school when she found one night that she could not breathe. She had developed reactive airway disease and lost 25 percent of her lung capacity, and so had to find another job. That is why she showed up Thursday at a public hearing in support of a stronger smoke-free ordinance for Augusta. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 13 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia Civilization has been engaging in the same general argument for thousands of years, says Jasper LiCalzi, professor of political economy at the College of Idaho: How do you answer the wishes of a majority without trampling the rights of individuals? That question has come up several times in the past year for Boise city leaders. First came panhandling: Where is the line between a person’s right to ask for money and a business owner’s not to have beggars discouraging customers? http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ID.htm 15 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Idaho WESTVILLE — Trustee Darren VanDuyn presented council members with a proposed smoking ban ordinance Tuesday night, but withdrew it before a vote could be taken. VanDuyn had originally requested a simple ban on smoking in the park during youth athletic events, but the village attorney, in preparing the ordinance, included a more far-reaching smoking ban than originally proposed. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 12 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Illinois It had all been said before. Republican Mayor Greg Ballard touted his progress on balancing the city's budget and improving infrastructure. Democratic challenger Melina Kennedy countered that Indianapolis can do better and reiterated her commitment to education, jobs and crime prevention. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 16 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Diana Kreifels of Haysville scratched away a "Christmas Crosswords" lottery ticket in the Heritage Restaurant in south Wichita and came up empty. Nothing new there. And her chances of winning lottery games in the future have declined because she's buying fewer tickets. "With the way the economy is, you got to watch your P's and Q's, so I limit myself," Kreifels said. She knows others who frequent the Heritage — historically the top Kansas Lottery outlet in the state — who buy fewer tickets than they used to. The state's smoking ban shares the blame with the economy, she said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 14 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- MetroCall 311 takes 900 to 1,000 calls a day from across Louisville, but that number could be on its way down thanks to a new way to report problems. On Tuesday, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer unveiled a mobile 311 app that allows residents to immediately report a pothole with just a quick click. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 12 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky The Christian County Commission voted Monday to decline a request to become a tobacco-free campus, which would have prohibited smoking on county property -- including the square in downtown Ozark. Last month, Breathe Easy Christian County Coalition Chair Delores Joyce asked the commissioners to consider the ban to promote a safe and healthy environment. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 18 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri From a health standpoint, there’s a lot to be said for banning smoking from the Montana State University campus. But the blanket ban on tobacco use adopted by campus leaders earlier this month seems a bit much. Protecting nonsmokers from secondhand smoke is certainly a good thing, and measures to ensure that happens are justifiable. But a ban on all use of tobacco on the 1,400-acre-plus MSU campus – including smokeless tobacco and tobacco use in individuals’ private vehicles – doesn’t seem necessary to accomplish that. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MT.htm 17 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Montana GPSA rejects current iteration of campus-wide anti-smoking plan. The Graduate and Professional Students Association voted against supporting the Tobacco Free UNLV initiative during their monthly meeting on Oct. 3. The council members, who voted 33 to 3 not to support the plan to eliminate tobacco use from campus, were concerned that the plan was too impractical. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 6 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey and Chris Collins, his opponent in the Nov. 8 election, sparred over their differences Tuesday, including whether there should be police officers in local schools. Summey said the 17 officers assigned to schools in the city have helped create an environment where teachers can work and students can learn, with trouble-makers taken out. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 12 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina HILLSBORO, Ohio — The court battle over Ohio’s 4-year-old strict ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, and most other indoor public places went to the hills of tobacco-growing country Wednesday. Taking its seven justices on the road in Highland County, the Ohio Supreme Court was urged to declare the state’s enforcement of the law unconstitutional in a case involving a Columbus tavern issued 10 citations and fines totaling $33,000 for repeatedly allowing patrons to light up. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OH.htm 19 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Ohio MUNCIE -- This holiday season, a Delaware County judge might bring local tavern owners a much-desired gift or a lump of coal. Make the latter possibility a pack of Lucky Strikes. Circuit Court 1 Judge Marianne Vorhees has set a Dec. 15 trial date for a lawsuit aimed at overturning the enhanced smoking ordinance that was enacted by the Delaware County commissioners in August. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 19 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana FRANKFORT, KY. — Backed by a coalition of health and anti-smoking groups, Rep. Susan Westrom said Wednesday that she plans to file a bill for the 2012 legislative session to enact a statewide smoking ban in public places. Testifying before the interim joint Health and Welfare Committee, the Lexington Democrat said she believes it’s time for lawmakers to adopt a statewide law similar to ordinances already enacted in some localities, including Louisville and Lexington. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 20 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky The president of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has thrown his support behind a proposed statewide smoking ban in the workplace. Dave Adkisson testified before a legislative panel in Frankfort today. He says ten years ago, it would have been unthinkable for the chamber to take such a position. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 19 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky The three candidates vying for the open Seat 2 on the Boise City Council agree that city government can do more to bring jobs and prosperity to Boise. Michael Cunningham wants to do that with a stronger partnership between the city and the school district. Lawrence Johnson wants a new citizen committee to oversee and streamline the public works and building departments. Ben Quintana wants to create a city fund to support entrepreneurs and start-ups. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ID.htm 20 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Idaho Mike Hanke would like the city of Chippewa Falls to adopt the state’s workplace smoking ban as a city ordinance. That way, the city could give tickets when there are violations, instead of relying on the county district attorney’s office to prosecute offenders. “To me, that’s the easiest and simplest way of doing this,” he said. Problem is, he’s not sure the city can legally do that. An email from an assistant attorney general casts doubt if it can be done. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WI.htm 22 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Wisconsin Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, is teeing up another try at enacting a statewide ban on smoking in indoor public places. Like last year, she has the support of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Its members are smarting from the steep health-care costs and lost productivity that come from doing business in a state with the highest rate — one in four Kentuckians — of adult smoking. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 26 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky Let's clear the air about what Delaware County's smoking ban will and will not accomplish. It will not save lives. It will kill several neighborhood bars unless we obtain relief, in or out of court. Before I explain, let me tell you how our association, the Delaware County Licensed Beverage Association, has given back to this community. In my years as a bar owner, our group has contributed more than $300,000 to various local service groups and charities. We've given $25,000 to Ball Hospital's cancer center, $28,000 to the Special Olympics, $20,000 to the Muncie Police Department (bulletproof vests, camera equipment, etc.). I could keep going, but I'll run out of space. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 21 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana The price of smoking in Missouri could soon see a substantial price increase if a new voter-driven petition effort is successful. This week, the secretary of state gave approval to a group led by the American Cancer Society to begin circulating a petition that would put a four-cent per cigarette tax increase on ballot. The initiative would substantially increase the tax rate on all tobacco products in Missouri. Currently, a pack of 20 cigarettes in Missouri comes with 17 cents in tax. This new proposal would raise the amount of taxes paid per pack to 97 cents. For other tobacco products, a tax of 34 percent of the manufacturer’s invoice price would be added. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 3 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas There is a certain irony to it, some have said. Smokers in Alexandria will have to leave local tobacco stores to light up the products they just bought there. At least 25 feet from the stores to be exact, starting Jan. 1 after the Alexandria City Council passed an ordinance Oct. 4 banning smoking in businesses previously exempt from state and local smoking bans, including bars and tobacco stores. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_LA.htm 30 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Louisiana BALTIMORE—The Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative has launched a campaign to raise taxes on all tobacco products in Maryland. Cigarette prices would increase by $1 per pack, and other tobacco taxes would increase at a corresponding rate. More than 150 faith, community and health organizations have already endorsed the proposed tax, including the AARP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Maryland and the American Cancer Society. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 14 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Maryland The Food and Drug Administration is planning to spend about $600 million over five years to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use as declines in U.S. smoking rates have stalled in recent years. Dr. Lawrence Deyton, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, said the multimedia campaigns are aimed at reducing death and disease caused by tobacco, which is responsible for about 443,000 deaths a year in the U.S. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FED.htm 3 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Federal CHARLESTON, W.Va. --A newly appointed member of a county board of health can vote on matters involving the county's ban on smoking in public places -- even though she was a member of an organization that sued to have the ban overturned, the state Ethics Commission determined Thursday. However, commissioners ruled that she should recuse herself if any matters involving the lawsuit come before the board of health. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WV.htm 3 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 West Virginia AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Augusta's push to ban smoking in public places like bars and clubs is now getting push-back from state interest groups. The added heat has some city leaders looking to exempt bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 25 Oct 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia CARSON CITY - The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that Nevada’s smoking ban in bars, taverns and gaming establishments is constitutional and cites a Las Vegas business for “repeated flagrant violations” of the law. The court said District Judge Valerie Adair was correct in issuing an injunction against Bilbo’s Bar & Grill not only prohibiting smoking but also against placing ashtrays and match books for the use of its customers. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NV.htm 2 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Nevada Q: We operate a fourplex and have decided to prohibit smoking entirely - in common areas, such as the halls and lobby, as well as individual units. Current tenants who smoke say that's discriminatory. Would we be breaking the law if we implement this policy? http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NJ.htm 3 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 New Jeresy FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) -The City of Florence is going smoke-free. Smoking and non-smoking sections are no longer an option for people in Florence. About 200 restaurants and bars in the City of Florence are adapting to a new ordinance banning smoking inside public buildings. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 1 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina With a fourth smoke shop in Tooele City opening last month, the Tooele City Council is now considering an ordinance restricting the location of new shops that specialize in tobacco and tobacco-related products. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_UT.htm 3 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Utah While members of the Shenandoah City Council research how a no smoking ordinance could affect the small community and its businesses, some council members suggested such an ordinance is just another layer of governmental control that may not be necessary. Councilwoman Jean Teague, who had indicated she would support a no smoking ordinance, asked city staff to include the discussion on the council’s Oct. 26 agenda. However, Teague said after seeing information provided to the council on similar no smoking ordinances in other cities, including Conroe, the issue seemed more complicated than she had anticipated. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 2 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas At least a half dozen potential changes are up for discussion today when the City Council meets to consider possible amendments to the smoking ban approved by Springfield voters in April. It's unclear whether any of the suggested changes -- which range from exemptions for cigar bars, veterans clubs and theatrical productions to an outright repeal -- can generate the unanimous support required by the City Charter. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 8 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri A new bill would ban smoking in and near all federal buildings, closing a loophole that exempted many federal buildings from a 2008 directive. Last week, Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.) introduced the "Smoke-Free Federal Buildings Act which bans smoking within 25 feet of all federal buildings owned, leased or leased for use by an executive agency. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_DC.htm 11 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington D.C. TOLEDO, OHIO (WTOL) - The Hollywood Casino-Toledo implemented a policy that will only allow non-smokers to be hired for its staff. Chrystal Herndon, the vice president of human resources said, "It is absolutely legal, and it's not considered discrimination. It's really determined by the state in which you operate." The decision is backed by Ohio state law. A few other companies, such as ProMedica, have implemented similar policies. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_OH.htm 8 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Ohio Bush-era Surgeon General Richard Carmona announced today he is running in Arizona’s open-seat Senate race, handing national Democrats a recruiting victory in a contest that could be competitive next year. “After talking with my family, my friends, and fellow Arizonans, I have decided to run for the United States Senate,” he said in an email statement. According to published reports, among those who encouraged him to run is President Barack Obama. National Democrats have been touting Carmona to reporters in recent weeks. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AZ.htm 10 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Arizona Webster’s dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. America is supposed to be a “free” country yet we are getting our rights stripped away from us one by one. Yes, I am a smoker and I believe that we should have the right to smoke where we want. Smokers are being discriminated against. Not being able to smoke in many public places and bars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 22 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky 'At this rate, I could be out of business by next week' Bar owner Boyd Cottrell said it’s bad enough he’s losing loads of money due to a state ban on smoking in bars, but over the weekend someone broke into his safe at Sporty O’Toole’s Bar & Grill in Warren and stole more than $4,200. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 21 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Michigan Supporters and opponents of two smoking ban-related bills took turns addressing the council, including Ameristar Casino Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Franke and Siteman Cancer Center Manager Sharon Lee. One bill would place a countywide smoking ban on the November 2012 ballot. A second would grant an exemption to the casinos and also would be decided by voters if the county council approves it. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 15 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri Durham County's health department wants to toughen restrictions on smoking in public places. Its proposed revision to the existing 1993 ordinance extends smoking bans to bus stops and the Durham Station terminal, sidewalks, city athletic fields and playgrounds, among other areas. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NC.htm 25 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 North Carolina Signs adorn South Chickamauga Greenway, telling users park rules and how far they've walked. But the Chattanooga City Council is looking at putting another sign on the trail: "Thank you for not smoking." "Anywhere there's a trail in the wooded outdoors, there should be nonsmoking," said Councilman Russell Gilbert, chairman of the Parks, Recreation, Education and Arts Committee. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TN.htm 21 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Tennessee With a fourth smoke shop in Tooele City opening last month, the Tooele City Council is now considering an ordinance restricting the location of new shops that specialize in tobacco and tobacco-related products. Tooele City Council Chairman Scott Wardle requested that Roger Baker, city attorney, research and prepare a draft ordinance after Wardle noticed a smoke shop opening at 80 W. Vine Street. The shop is less than one block from the city library and three blocks from Tooele High School, and that’s a problem, Wardle said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_UT.htm 3 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Utah Jasper bar owners are asking members of the Jasper City Council to amend its smoking ordinance to allow nightclub-goers to smoke in their establishments. Supporters of such an amendment let their thoughts be heard during a council work session Tuesday afternoon. William Legg, owner of Legg’s Hideaway on 17th Street West, said his business is down 75 percent since the smoking ordinance took place in early October. He said if the business continues to struggle that he would be forced to close the doors by January. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 1 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama BOISE -- City leaders in Boise have approved new rules banning smoking in bars, public parks and taxi cabs, and near the city's river greenbelt and bus stops. The City Council on Tuesday approved a pair of ordinances that essentially expand the 2004 state law that outlawed smoking in restaurants and many public places. The new restrictions go into effect Jan. 2. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ID.htm 30 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Idaho Capitol Weekly warns that a "ballot stew" is boiling in California, including a measure to raise the cigarette tax. Concurrently, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids slaps California's hands over its substandard spending on tobacco use prevention. Yet a long track record of anti-smoking legislation calls the justification for the criticism into question. What is the state's timeline of fighting tobacco? http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 5 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 California INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A new Marion County smoking ban will be introduced at the City-County Council meeting Monday. The proposal would ban smoking in hotel rooms, bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, nursing homes and at the workplace. There are a few exceptions; You can still smoke at cigar and hookah bars, retail tobacco stores and not-for-profit private clubs. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 5 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana COVINGTON – Legends Bar and Grill at 3530 Decourcy Ave. in Latonia has become the second place to be fined $100 under Kenton County’s partial smoking ban for restaurants, workplaces, bingo halls and other public establishments. During a regular food inspection on Nov. 4, a health inspector noticed customers smoking, a lack of signage, and the presence of children, said Emily Gresham Wherle, a spokeswoman for the Northern Kentucky Health Department. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 30 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Kentucky Kansas officials are appealing a lower court ruling that has blocked specific provisions of the statewide smoking ban that applies to certain private clubs. The Kansas Supreme Court has scheduled arguments for Wednesday in a case being appealed by the attorney general, asking the justices to lift a temporary injunction issued in June 2010. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 3 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas Hannibal, MO — Unlike Hannibal voters, residents of St. Charles County won’t have the chance to decide the future of a smoking ban, at least right away. Earlier this week, the St. Charles County Council rejected a measure that would have given voters an opportunity to decide on a countywide smoking ban. On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Hannibal City Council will be asked to give second and final passage to a bill that would allow a proposed smoke-free ordinance to go before voters next April. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 4 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri SAN ANTONIO -- No decision made by the city council Thursday on the proposal to ban smoking at Fiesta parades. The council was scheduled to vote on a proposed amendment to the city's smoking ordinance that would ban smoking within 50 feet of the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades. But the item was pulled from the council agenda, so no vote took place. City officials didn't say why the vote was pulled. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 1 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas The smoking ban issue unexpectedly blew back into the Casper City Council meeting Nov. 15, hinting of a larger battle to come. Local liquor dealer association member Pat Sweeny re-lit the topic, saying he wanted to take a proactive position on behalf of liquor license owners and businesses against the ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WY.htm 21 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 Wyoming MYRTLE BEACH - Smoking may soon end in Myrtle Beach bars and restaurants. Next month Smoke Free Horry plans to present Myrtle Beach City Council with research its done that shows the negative health impact second hand smoke has. Some bars and restaurants that allow smoking believe a ban would drastically hurt their revenue. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SC.htm 29 Nov 2011 11:11 -0800 South Carolina JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) - VIDEO: Jasper's new smoking ban has some customers and at least one business owner defying the city ... risking it all to bring back the right to light up. One of his bartenders has already gotten one citation ... two citations and the city will close him down. A group of opponents to the smoking ban attended a city work session this week. The city has agreed to hear more concerns about amending the ordinance at an upcoming city council meeting later this month. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 2 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Alabama Smokers complained about the impacts on their rights Monday as Orland struggles with adoption of a smoking ban in outdoor areas within the city. Resident Brandy Branzelle said the city's proposed attempt to regulate smoking and secondhand smoke is "redundant" since state law already requires most public buildings and entryways to be free from smoking. "I find it insulting," she said. "As a law-abiding citizen, and someone raised to be courteous, I try to be aware of others (while smoking). But to make it a punishable offense is insulting." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 6 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 California Manager Jeff Miles stood outside Pour Larry’s in City Market smoking a cigarette before the after-work crowd arrived. Lighting up indoors is off-limits for him and his customers since Savannah’s ban on smoking in all workplaces went into effect Jan. 1. Miles said the ban has hurt business. Customers are still coming, but they don’t stay as long because when they go outside to smoke they often wander to another watering hole, he said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 12 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Georgia INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WANE) - In an interview with NewsChannel 15 Tuesday, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said he will sign a statewide smoking ban into law if lawmakers pass it in 2012. He also gave some indications that he could be leaning toward supporting Republican lawmakers' efforts to make Indiana a right-to-work state in 2012. Excerpts from the interview are below. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 7 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana Topeka — Kansas Supreme Court justices were asked Wednesday to reverse a lower-court's temporary injunction blocking enforcement of a narrow portion of the state's 2010 smoking ban on grounds legislators had a rational basis for its provisions. But justices and Mike Merriam, attorney for Downtown Bar and Grill in Tonganoxie, said to do so would leave little reason for the northeast Kansas club's case to move forward. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 7 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas CLAYTON • U.S. District Judge Charles Shaw has dismissed a lawsuit against Clayton that sought to overturn the city's ban on smoking on outdoor, city-owned property, including public parks. "The City was confident that our ordinance was enacted properly and within the authority of municipal public health concerns," said Mayor Linda Goldstein. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 12 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri The air always gets a bit thin in Indianapolis around this time, judging by how lawmakers say some of the funniest things leading up to new Statehouse sessions. This week's version: After the Indianapolis City-County Council blew up another recent attempt to add muscle to the city's smoking restrictions, a Statehouse leader says he's ready to fast track a set of statewide regulations. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 16 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Indiana A Marin County crackdown on smoking in multi-unit apartment and condominium complexes will get its first test Tuesday, when county supervisors are expected to approve it and set a public hearing for Jan. 10. The measure, modeled after a strict anti-smoking law in Larkspur, is set for discussion at 10 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors' chambers. It would apply to the unincorporated area of the county. "Numerous studies indicate secondhand smoke is harmful to individuals," said health chief Larry Meredith in a report to the county board. "Smoke in multi-unit housing poses health problems for nonsmoking residents when it drifts from neighboring units, balconies and outdoor spaces." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 18 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 California A push for a statewide smoking ban has been under way for some time, garnering support from the state Department of Health and multiple smoke-free organizations across the state. Rankin County residents also are doing their part to ensure the possibility of a ban makes it through the state Legislature in the upcoming session next year. The Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Rankin, Scott & Simpson Counties operates out of its office on Airport Road. And coalition members are passionate about their mission. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MS.htm 13 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Mississippi WHEELING - Smokers can keep puffing away inside the casino without being told to snuff out their cigarettes - at least for now. A proposed plan to expand a countywide smoking ban has been suspended indefinitely. The Wheeling-Ohio County Board of Health on Tuesday voted to table the measure that would have made the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, video gambling parlors and gambling areas inside bars 100 percent smoke-free. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WV.htm 14 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 West Virginia Tobacco-Free Washington has obtained approval of a new citizens initiative seeking to make the sale, possession or use of tobacco in Washington State a felony. In a move sure to please many anti-tobacco advocates, a group calling themselves ‘Tobacco-Free Washington’ has gotten approval for a new citizen’s initiative that would make the use of any tobacco product in Washington State a Class C felony! http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WA.htm 14 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Washington Orange Bowl officials say they've scrapped a planned sponsorship deal with Camacho Cigars. Orange Bowl spokesman Larry Wahl said in an email Friday that after mutual review, it was determined that it would not be appropriate to go forward with the sponsorship. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 23 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Florida Jefferson City, Mo. — Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced that two initiative petitions have met state standards for circulation. One of the petitions relates to taxation on cigarettes and other tobacco products, and the other petition relates to a municipal police force. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 22 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Missouri VIDEO: When the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act went into effect, several bar and casino owners in Great Falls saw a 25% drop in business. Now, Great Falls company M.C. Inc. believes that it's found a solution that allows comfortable smoking rooms which comply with state law - but public health officials don't see it that way. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MT.htm 21 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Montana A vote to draft a resolution banning smoking in Veterans Park in downtown Nyack was slashed down at Thursday’s board of trustees meeting. The board discussed the possible ban before putting it to a vote, but couldn’t nail down enough details to get the three tallies needed for it to pass. Mayor Richard Kavesh and Doug Foster voted for drafting the resolution, while Jen Laird-White and Louise Parker voted against it. Trustee Steven Knowlton was not at the meeting due to recent surgery. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NY.htm 23 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 New York An appeal of a smoking ban case decision to the N.C. Court of Appeals by the Pitt County Health Department is slated to be heard on Jan. 12. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_NC.htm 22 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 North Carolina Austin, TX -- From now on if you are headed to one of Austin’s city parks, preserves or pools, you may want to leave the cigarettes behind. A permanent smoking ban is now in effect. For months the Austin City Council heard lengthy debates about the smoking ban. City council ultimately decided that the temporary smoking ban, started earlier this year, should remain permanent. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 24 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Texas Deadwood casinos that have blamed the smoking ban for a loss in revenue over the past year could get a break if state Sen. Tom Nelson, R-Lead, gets his way. Nelson has drafted legislation that will exempt Deadwood casinos from the smoking ban. The voter-approved ban that was enacted in November 2010 is being blamed for a drop in gambling revenue, which is the main reason an exemption should be considered, according to the state senator. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_SD.htm 27 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 South Dakota With the city’s new restaurant patio smoking ban going into effect on New Year’s Day, area restaurants are bracing for fallout from customers. “About 50 percent of my customers are smokers,” reported Igor Nicholas, managing partner of Isla Cantina located at 8788 Sunset Blvd. at Holloway Street. “We have a very multi-culti clientele and they won’t like it.” http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 30 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 California If you think the Republican presidential nomination race is getting ugly, just wait until the campaign on the proposed new tobacco taxes gets under way. The nasty messages are likely to make the presidential stuff look like child's play. At stake is the fate of the California Cancer Research Act, a statewide ballot initiative on the ballot in the June 5 primary election. The proposition seeks to increase cigarette taxes by one dollar per pack. If passed, the act would raise about $855 million annually in new tobacco taxes, an outcome that tobacco companies will do their best to prevent. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_CA.htm 3 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 California A sheet of paper taped to the sign outside 10th Street Station invited customers to come in Sunday and “toast to freedom of choice.” The Downtown Boise bar, normally closed Sundays, held a Great Final Smoke-Out to mark the last day smoking was legal in the city’s bars, parks and many other public areas. The bar’s business sign, which proudly proclaims “Smoking Allowed,” is suddenly outdated. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_ID.htm 2 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Idaho The fuse of controversy was lit when the statewide indoor smoking ban was manipulated to exclude gambling floors of state-sanctioned casinos. It's red-carpet treatment for casino lobbyists who serve corporations specializing in reaching the pleasure center of customers, whether these gamblers are choking on their own cigarette plume or the second-hand exhalation of someone sitting nearby. The exclusion also defines complicity of anti-tobacco advocates who caved on the exemption as the political price to be paid in 2009 for adoption of a statewide smoking ban. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KS.htm 29 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Kansas PARKERSBURG - A Wood County Circuit Court judge is prepared to issue a partial ruling on a smoking ban but has also requested more information before doing so. Judge Jeff Reed sent a letter earlier this month to attorneys involved in the civil suit over the Clean Indoor Air Regulations between the Hill House Pub and the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_WV.htm 23 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 West Virginia Burlington wants to ban smoking in outdoor locations. I am a smoker and I say this is going against my right to smoke. When does a city or anyone else get to control the air? If that were possible then I say those in charge in Burlington should keep the temperature at 70 to 80 degrees. Burlington should ban the cold and snow. This just gives me another reason not to visit the city, as if I needed another reason. Don't like it anyway. How about the workers in Burlington that smoke and have a 15 minute break, but have to walk maybe two blocks to a smoking area. Where are their rights? http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_VT.htm 28 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Vermont The Tooele City Planning Commission gave an affirmative nod to a new ordinance that restricts the location of smoke shops in Tooele at their meeting Wednesday evening. After a brief public hearing, the planning commission voted 6-1 to advance the ordinance to the city council with a favorable recommendation. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_UT.htm 15 Dec 2011 11:11 -0800 Utah Organizers working with Smoke-free Lufkin believe its time for the city to join other East Texas cities — including Nacogdoches, Tyler and Longview — that have strong, comprehensive smoke-free ordinances. The grass-roots initiative, part of the efforts of the non-profit organization The Coalition, supports 100 percent smoke-free public places in Lufkin and strives to improve the health of residents by eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke and reducing tobacco use. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_TX.htm 1 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Texas Pennsylvanians trying to drop their cigarette habit can have a tough time staying away from smoke in bars. The state's Clean Indoor Air Act, in effect for about three years, exempts restaurants with liquor licenses from the indoor smoking ban if they report that food makes up less than 20 percent of their establishment's total annual sales. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_PA.htm 2 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Pennsylvania MOBILE IS as close as it has ever been to banning smoking in most workplaces and public spaces. If City Council members approve a proposal in the coming weeks, they will raise the bar for public health throughout the city. There is a big and unfortunate exception in the ordinance, however: It would allow bar owners to choose whether to allow smoking in their establishments. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 5 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Alabama MOBILE, Alabama -- An ordinance soon to be considered by the Mobile City Council would bar smoking in virtually all public spaces and places of employment in the city. The most notable exception to the ban would be bars serving patrons age 21 or older. Bar owners could choose for themselves whether to allow smoking. Signs indicating whether smoking is OK would be required near the entrances. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_AL.htm 4 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Alabama One thing became clear during an interview last week with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard: He's tired of being asked about smoking bans. It's understandable -- he's been answering persistent questions for more than two years. The Republican faced flak for threatening to veto a 2009 City-County Council proposal that would have expanded Marion County's smoking ban to most bars. Last year, Democratic challenger Melina Kennedy criticized him on the issue. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 8 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Indiana As we’ve detailed before, there is a quiet war on cigarette smoking in both this city and this state. An indoor smoking ban has been effect in all bars and restaurants at which food makes up less than 20 percent of their establishment’s total annual sales. In May 2011, Mayor Michael Nutter signed an executive order at the Kingsessing Recreation Center that banned smoking in city-owned recreation centers and outside, at playgrounds and pools. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_PA.htm 4 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Pennsylvania JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The heat is on to increase Missouri's relatively low tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products. On Thursday, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan approved a ballot referendum petition for circulation by the American Cancer Society. Although several draft petitions have already been approved by the secretary of state for possible inclusion on next November's ballot, cigarette tax increase proponents are trying to hedge their bets in 2012 by circulating multiple proposals. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MO.htm 13 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Missouri City Councilor Joan Shannon, D-Ward 5, said Friday she will try to persuade the City Council to override Mayor Bob Kiss’s veto of a downtown smoking ban the council approved Monday. “The next step is to see if we can get a couple more councilors on board to override the veto,” she said. The ban passed 8-6; 10 votes would be required to override Kiss. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_VT.htm 13 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Vermont Despite the yellow "Tobacco Free Area" signs posted at the Gulfport Beach, several smokers lit up their cigars and pipes Saturday morning. "I think that we have to protect what little rights we do have as smokers period," Rossi Bonugli said. Bonugli came out to support the peaceful protest. He's been a cigar smoker most of his life and believes a ban on the beach is "going too far." http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 16 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Florida TAMPA -- Some groups collect cookies, clothes and toiletries for U.S. soldiers. In Ybor City, they collect cigars. "The guys overseas got to know that they are appreciated by the people back home," said Robert Alorda, a founder of the Ybor City Cigars for Soldiers program. "They need something to remind them of home," Alorda said. Tuesday night, a group of volunteers met at the Ybor City Development Corp. office, 2015 E. 7th Ave., and packed around 2,000 donated cigars. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FL.htm 18 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Florida Friday was not Jack Butler’s lucky day. The planner for the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission was at the Chatham County Commission meeting for an innocuous resolution concerning local planning, but his agenda item was one of the last to be considered during a four-and-a-half-hour meeting Friday. A couple of controversial proposals that have boosted attendance and blood pressure at recent meetings had to be considered first. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_GA.htm 14 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Georgia Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on Wednesday defended his plan to raise taxes on residents who earn six-figure salaries or more, saying he considered it the “fairest way” to help close the state’s latest budget shortfall. “This is not an exercise in popularity, it’s not a matter of greasing the weather vane, it’s a matter of figuring out what are the best decisions that we can make on behalf of the families we serve,” O’Malley said at a State House news conference. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MD.htm 18 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Maryland A bill introduced Thursday in the Kentucky General Assembly for a statewide ban on smoking indoors in public places has once again touched off debate among smokers, non-smokers and business owners. State Rep Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, introduced the bill that would ban tobacco smoking in work places, businesses and government buildings statewide. She said the bill has some changes that strengthens it over a similar bill she introduced last year. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 19 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Kentucky Government regulators and their enablers in Congress, always on the prowl to target industries for ever-more oppressive regulations and higher taxes, are now focusing on the venerable “good cigar” eloquently extolled by Rudyard Kipling and many other connoisseurs of a “good smoke.” Since the mid-1960s, tobacco has been one of the big-government nannies’ favorite targets. While anti-tobacconists have scored only sporadic victories in the courts over the past few decades, that is partly due to the fact that until 2009, when Congress passed the “Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act,” tobacco was not lawfully regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_FED.htm 23 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Federal A new state report found that sales in bars that serve food declined in the first year of Michigan's smoking ban, but doesn't shed light on whether more people are smoking and drinking at home, state Department of Treasury officials said. The department's report, issued in December, was based on sales-tax revenue and actual sales in bars, restaurants, nightclubs and hotel dining rooms, and is not intended to be a full barometer of whether the ban is hampering businesses. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_MI.htm 23 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Michigan Illinois lawmakers are considering loosening the Smoke Free Illinois Act, which prohibits smoking in all indoor public places since being passed in 2008. If the ban is loosened, individual bars, restaurants, and other facilities hosting events with tobacco products will be able to apply for a smoking license that would exempt them from the no smoking ban. “We think this is a terrible idea,” Katie Lorenz, American Lung Association communications manager, said. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IL.htm 29 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Illinois FRANKFORT, Ky. - Smoking in restaurants, workplaces and other indoor public spots would be prohibited in Kentucky as part of a bill just introduced in the state Legislature. House Bill 289, introduced by Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, would enact a statewide, indoor smoke-free policy to help protect nonsmokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_KY.htm 30 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Kentucky The City-County Council passed a stronger smoking ban covering most bars tonight, but the mayor’s opposition to one key provision could keep it from becoming law. Applause greeted the 19-9 vote — one vote shy of the 20 that would be needed to override a potential veto. Anti-smoking advocates planned to rally supporters and put pressure on Mayor Greg Ballard to sign the smoking ban measure. But Ballard has vowed a veto. http://www.cigarrights.org/stateclubs_IN.htm 30 Jan 2012 11:11 -0800 Indiana