Kansas goes smoke-free

Publication Date: 2010-07-01

• Author:Jeannine Koranda
• Publication:Kansas.com

Smokers at Wichita bars and at private clubs across Kansas can continue to light up, but much of the state goes smoke-free indoors today. In a last-minute ruling Wednesday, Shawnee County District Judge Franklin Theis allowed 31 private clubs statewide that received licenses after Jan. 1, 2009, to continue to allow indoor smoking. Private clubs licensed earlier already were exempt from the ban.

Wichitans can continue to smoke indoors where the city's partial ban allows -- in bars and in restaurants with separate smoking rooms -- at least until a court hearing July 15.

The state's ban prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places. It also bars smoking within 10 feet of an entrance, open window or air intake for a building. It is one of several new laws taking effect today.

"We think today is a victory for the principal of the smoking ban and how it is going to help public health around the state," said Attorney General Steve Six after the judge's ruling.