LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 23, 2004) - In support of home rule authority for city governments, the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) filed an amicus ("friend of the court") brief with the Kentucky Supreme Court today in the case of Lexington Fayette County Food and Beverage Association v. Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, et al.

The case involves a challenge to Lexington's ordinance that bans smoking in most enclosed public buildings.  KLC filed its legal brief on behalf of Lexington and its other member city governments to support home rule authority.

Sylvia L. Lovely, Executive Director/CEO of KLC said, "KLC does not take a position on whether it is good or not for a city to ban smoking.  Rather, the argument is that this policy determination should be made at the local level instead of state level."

Any questions regarding KLC's participation in the case should be directed to KLC Executive Director/CEO Sylvia L. Lovely or General Counsel William A. Thielen at 1-800-876-4552.

Headquartered in Lexington, KLC began in 1927 and currently represents more than 380 cities across Kentucky. A staff of 80 provides services in a host of areas vital to city government, including bond, investment and insurance pooling; advocacy at the state and federal levels; legal assistance; an annual convention; a monthly publication, KLC Direct; a quarterly magazine, City; training and educational seminars; and information services.