Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Supreme Court has struck down two exceptions to the state's public smoking ban, dealing a blow to cigar bars and tobacco shops, but sparing the exception for some hotel guestrooms that allow smoking.
The decision Friday came in the case of Big John's Billiards, an Omaha pool hall, whose owner sued after Nebraska enacted a statewide public smoking ban in 2009. The law bans smoking in all public buildings and private businesses, including bars and restaurants. However, the law provided exceptions for cigar bars, some hotel rooms and tobacco-only retailers.
In a split decision, the state's high court found that the exception for hotel rooms is permissible, because hotel guestrooms are akin to private homes. But it found the exceptions for cigar bars and tobacco retailers unconstitutional.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
St. Joseph Mo man killed in KS crash
Sunday evening kitchen fires battled in Atchison; one injured
Atchison man arrested following pursuit
Packed hearing Thurs for Atchison Co Lake's future
Hiawatha USD 415 Supt. announces retirement
Atchison Walmart robbery sparks suspect search
Woman arrested after Holton search warrant
Officer bitten during Atchison arrest
Pottawatomie Co Sheriff's Office K9 dies
City Commission approves removal of breed-specific dog ban
New Jeff Co North leadership hired
Local judge among 15 seeking Supreme Court vacancy
Longtme Falls City business owner dies
"Highly anticipated" blackout plates coming to KS
New Brown Co Special Education director hired
Falls City Council takes action on vacant properties
County Commission approves bid for new landfill building
LATEST STORIES
Richardson County Board receives department updates
Atchison Walmart robbery sparks suspect search
No Summer Hunger Program begins June 2
Jackson Co voters to face special question in November
Click It or Ticket campaign begins May 18
Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for Robinson
Pawnee City School Board meets
Hiawatha, Ks 66434