Smoking ban takes hold in R.I. as some mobilize to challenge law

Publication Date: 2005-03-01

• Author:Richard C. Lewis, AP
• Publication:The Boston Globe

Rhode Island bars, restaurants and businesses went smoke-free Tuesday, becoming the seventh state in the nation to ban smoking in virtually all indoor public places...

The law covers thousands of bars and restaurants, and all indoor workplaces. And though some smaller bars and the state's two gambling centers are exempt, no-smoking advocates say society's attitudes have shifted in favor of outlawing smoking in indoor spaces as people have learned about the health dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke.