Crowd jams ND Senate hearing on smoking ban in bars

Publication Date: 2007-02-06

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• Publication:Fargo Forum

North Dakota senators have begun examining a proposal to ban smoking in bars and truck stops, which are virtually the last public places in the state where a smoker may legally light up.

More than 150 people showed up Tuesday for a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the measure. Dozens wore buttons with the image of an American flag and the word, "Freedom."

Two years ago, the North Dakota Legislature voted to ban smoking in most buildings that have access to the public. Bars and enclosed areas of truck stops were exempted from the legislation.

This year's proposed law would drop that exemption, and ban smoking in public buildings altogether.