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News Summary

Bill removes smoking-ban exemptions

Publication Date: 2005-04-14
  • Author:SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
  • Publication:Providence (RI) Journal-Bulletin
The measure has cleared the House and now heads to the Senate floor.

A Senate committee yesterday signed off on a bill that would permanently add small bars and private clubs with class C and D liquor licenses to the list of places where smoking is prohibited.

The legislation is in response to a temporary ruling by Superior Court Judge Stephen J. Fortunato Jr. that exemptions for such facilities written into the state's smoking ban were not rational and were unconstitutional.

Since that March 31 ruling, smoking has been prohibited at the small bars, such as the Wickenden Pub and Decatur Bar in Providence, and private clubs such as the Knights of Columbus and American Legion.

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