State Supreme Court strikes down Pierce County Smoking Ban
The Pierce County smoking ban, the strictest ban on smoking in the state, was overturned by the State Supreme Court today. The ban prohibited smoking in bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, casinos, hotels, private clubs and most other nontribal businesses.
The state Supreme Court made the decision based on the fact that the Pierce County ban greatly conflicted with the state's Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibited smoking in public places, but exempted restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and casinos.
Two bills have been passed in the Legislature to expand the state's Clean Air Act. According to the Seattle Times, the first bill would ban smoking everywhere minors are allowed excluding bars and the second bill would mimic the Pierce County ban. It is in the hands of Gov. Christine Gregoire to decide on the bills now.
The state Supreme Court made the decision based on the fact that the Pierce County ban greatly conflicted with the state's Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibited smoking in public places, but exempted restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and casinos.
Two bills have been passed in the Legislature to expand the state's Clean Air Act. According to the Seattle Times, the first bill would ban smoking everywhere minors are allowed excluding bars and the second bill would mimic the Pierce County ban. It is in the hands of Gov. Christine Gregoire to decide on the bills now.
