Bar owners want to snuff out possible smoking ban

Publication Date: 2005-03-15

• Author:JAMES WARDEN,AP
• Publication:Bismarck Tribune

North Dakota tavern owners, upset about legislation that would ban smoking in their establishments and most other public places, are asking lawmakers to defeat a proposal for tough new anti-tobacco restrictions.

Allan Leier, a Bismarck bar owner, said customers who don't like smoking have the option of drinking elsewhere...

The legislation would ban smoking in most public places, beginning Aug. 1. Bars and clubs run by fraternal groups, such as American Legion or the Elks Club, would have until August 2007 before they are subjected to the ban...

The House Human Services Committee examined the bill Monday.