State smoking ban upheld

Publication Date: 2006-10-23

• Author:Bruce Finley
• Publication:Denver (CO) Post

But the air is not clear yet; a Durango bar owner goes to court in November over a ticket

Chief U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock on Friday rejected arguments that the ban - which makes an exception for casinos, cigar bars, airport lounges and small businesses - violates tavern owner rights.

No worries at the City Grille, a bar and restaurant just east of the state Capitol.

"I kind of like it better this way. Most of us do. Business has been perfectly fine," manager April Gooch, 27, said from a perch that isn't so asphyxiating any more.

The ban eases a health burden on employees, she said. "It also helps people who do smoke not smoke as much."