People upset with the Legislature's ecision to strengthen South Dakota's smoking ban say a surprising number of non-smokers are signing their petition that could put the ban to a statewide vote.

The law, which would force smokers to step outside casinos, bars
and video lottery establishments if they want to light up, takes
effect July 1 unless 16,776 valid petition signatures are gathered
by June 29.

Larry Mann, who represents the Video Lottery Establishments of
South Dakota, says it's too early to estimate the number of
signatures collected but that the process is going well.

Craig Youngstrom of Jackpot Gamblin' in Mitchell says most customers who are asked say they are interested in signing the petition - including non-smokers.

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