Another one bites the dust: Minnesota OK's smoking ban
By Gary Korb
Just as I was packing up to go home last night, I received the following message from one of my readers, Stephen F. in Minnesota.
"It's official - Minnesota has banned smoking in most public places beginning October 1. Governor Pawlenty signed the bill on May 15."
Stephen also sent me a link to an article titled, "When and where the smoking ban applies" from startribune.com.
According to the article, the ban goes into effect on October 1, 2007 when smoking will be verboten in "restaurants, bars, bingo halls, and most other indoor public places and workplaces."
Even though outdoor smoking will be permitted, if you light-up on the patio of a restaurant or bar, you will not be allowed food or drink service.
For those who frequent or work at tribal casinos, small family farms, cigar stores and other tobacco shops, it's anything goes, including designated hotel and motel rooms. You can also smoke if you've been committed to a psychiatric ward, are living in a home for disabled veterans (in Washington County), or participating in a scientific study. Smoking will also be permitted at Native American ceremonies or theatre productions.
Well, it could have been worse. OK, who's next?
Just as I was packing up to go home last night, I received the following message from one of my readers, Stephen F. in Minnesota.
"It's official - Minnesota has banned smoking in most public places beginning October 1. Governor Pawlenty signed the bill on May 15."
Stephen also sent me a link to an article titled, "When and where the smoking ban applies" from startribune.com.
According to the article, the ban goes into effect on October 1, 2007 when smoking will be verboten in "restaurants, bars, bingo halls, and most other indoor public places and workplaces."
Even though outdoor smoking will be permitted, if you light-up on the patio of a restaurant or bar, you will not be allowed food or drink service.
For those who frequent or work at tribal casinos, small family farms, cigar stores and other tobacco shops, it's anything goes, including designated hotel and motel rooms. You can also smoke if you've been committed to a psychiatric ward, are living in a home for disabled veterans (in Washington County), or participating in a scientific study. Smoking will also be permitted at Native American ceremonies or theatre productions.
Well, it could have been worse. OK, who's next?
Comments
That is not correct. That part about no food or drink service on the patio smoking areas was in an earlier Senate version of the bill, but was removed before the final version was signed into law.