Emporia — A recount has confirmed that an Emporia smoking ban ordinance has passed.
The measure won approval last week by just six votes, and the margin grew by two votes after Tuesday’s recount.
The Lyon County Board of Canvassers certified late Tuesday afternoon that the final count was 2,369 votes for banning smoking in public places and 2,361 against it.
Attorney Michael Helbert, who has represented a group opposed to the ban, does not plan to file a legal challenge. He filed the recount request Monday.
The ban took effect Friday. It prohibits smoking in all public places and businesses including bars and restaurants, and within 10 feet of a business entrance.
The ban does not extend to private offices where the public is not regularly or frequently invited inside.
Comments
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xbusguy (chris Ogle) says…
Mush- can I still smoke at my house??
SettingTheRecordStraight (anonymous) says…
Emporia joins the long list of foolish communities that have handed over business rights to the government.
If you don't like the smoke (and I hate cigarette smoke), don't patronize the business. And if you don't like the smoke, don't work at that business.
oldcat (anonymous) says…
SettingTheRecordStraight since jobs are so easy to get, you can be very fussy.
SettingTheRecordStraight (anonymous) says…
oldcat,
A tough economy is no reason to hand over our rights.
madameX (anonymous) says…
I bet there are 9 Emporia residents who oppose the ban but didn't bother to vote going "Dammit!!!!!"
If you care about something, then at least take the time to vote!
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
Emporia joins the long list of smart communities that have considered health over stupid idiots and their smoking obsession. Feel free to smoke at home and get yourself sick. Too bad most you smoke around your children, too.