Tuesday, August 01 2006
OTTER TAIL, MINN - One Minnesota county has voted down a smoking ban proposal, while another county has started such a ban.
The Otter Tail County Board voted 3-2 against a smoking ban. The proposal would have banned smoking in all public work places including bars and restaurants.
County Public Health Department Director Diane Thorsen says she's disappointed.
A recent survey of 350 county residents showed that 87 percent of voters support the ordinance and 92 percent say they'd visit businesses more if the businesses were smoke free.
Don McQuisten owns a restaurant and bar in Fergus Falls. He says business owners should be left to make their own decision.
In McLeod County, a smoking ban is in effect. Smoking is now prohibited in indoor dining areas of food and liquor establishments.
Bars that serve only alcohol and serve no food or have a limited menu are exempted. But they're required to post a sign at the door that reads, "Smoking permitted -- No minors allowed."
Source: wcco.com, in Minnesota
Published: August 2, 2006
