March 11, 2010

Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104

Breaking News:

Circuit Judge in Pierre Says Smoking Ban Will Go to Public Vote in 2010

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By KSFY Staff

Story Created: Nov 13, 2009 at 3:25 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 13, 2009 at 3:34 PM CST

A circuit judge in Pierre says a proposed state-wide smoking ban will go to a public vote in November of 2010.

The decision came down after the judge heard closing arguments from the American Cancer Society and a group of bar and casino owners who gathered signatures. Join KSFY Action News at 5:00 and 6:00 for the latest on this story.

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Sunday, Nov 15 at 10:09 AM NoTobaccoNet wrote ...

As a smoker, instead of thinking "it won't happen here", look at what has happened across the United States. In other states (like New York State for instance) you are not allowed to smoke inside ANY public building. There are even restrictions being placed on a person's residence, if that residence happens to be in an apartment building! What can you do about it? Learn more about what you as a smoker can do to protect your freedoms by visiting my informational blog at www.NoTobacco.net/Blog

Saturday, Nov 14 at 3:37 AM Bob wrote ...

When anti smoking people were using education as their primary method, the smoking rates were reducing for many years. Now that they got into invasive bans using snitchlines and law enforcement for privately owned businesses, many have the opinion that they crossed the line. In the 60s, people burned draft cards to protest. Now they will be lighting cigarettes. In my neighborhood of Chicago, after nearly two years the ban is fading into forgotten history in many small neighborhood bars.

Friday, Nov 13 at 7:31 PM anon wrote ...

I for one believe smoking in a public eating establishment should be banned. But as far as I am concerned it should be left up to the bar or casino owner if it will allow smoking. If people cant maintain smoking for 30-45 minutes to enjoy a meal then they have a problem. But as far as bars and casinos go , if nonsmokers dont like it open up your own establishments and make a mint.

Friday, Nov 13 at 6:44 PM non smoker wrote ...

i dont know why its so hard for someone to walk outside and light up, instead of sitting inside and blowing it in my face. Most of you smokers dont even smoke in your own house and you crack a window in the car so dont be so lazy and walk outside and light up next time, and stop bitching about it.

Friday, Nov 13 at 5:49 PM Birdman wrote ...

The mentality of smokers is astonishing to me. As an ex-smoker of 15 years, I couldn't imagine expecting non-smokers to deal with my habit when we now know how bad it is for those not participating in the act itself. Good Lord, nobody is saying you can't smoke. They're just saying you can't do it at the expense of those around you. Be a little considerate of others, would you!

Friday, Nov 13 at 5:11 PM Anonymous wrote ...

All of you who are grumbling about smokers...How many of you are guilty operating a vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages? Both are regulated under laws..So I propose no business in SD should be able to sell tobacco, alcohol or all its' consumption in public!

Friday, Nov 13 at 5:07 PM bullwinkle wrote ...

we will have a ban in public places upheld; just have to wait until July 2011 to enjoy it. MN has had it law for sometime now and the bars I know are still open. People I know don't go to a bar to smoke, they go to have a drink and/or a bite to eat. Smoker's addiction stems not just from nicotime but habitually lighting up in certain situations like having a drink or after they eat. Smokers should look at this as an opportunity to try and quit. I would think most want to...why would you not???

Friday, Nov 13 at 5:04 PM SD Voter wrote ...

First off I do not smoke and can go to a lot of places that are non-smoking. If somebody owns a bar and wants to allow smokers that is freedom and our government needs to stay out of it. As far as arguments in air quality, Air Exchangers can turn all the air in a bar over in less than a minute. If our state wanted to do anything they could require bars that allow smoking to have updated fresh air systems. That would sure help out on the smell. blah...

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

well lets see. liquor in your own body isn't killing the people around you. smoke does. and i hope that the voters do make the ban go into affect because most of the people on the petitions were not registered voters anyway which kind of defeats the purpose of putting it to a vote does it not?

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:51 PM Kyle wrote ...

Ya know, bars would be healthier if they didn't serve booze, either.
Non-smokers have no more right to a smoke-free bar than a smoker has the right to a bar that allows smoking. It should be up the the business owner, period.

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:25 PM to whom it may concern wrote ...

to briteny-and you are killing your liver by drinking in establishments that allow smoking to begin with! grow up people. smoking is not illegal and just because someone is a smoker doesn't mean they are stupid or aren't registered voters. keep judging people and you will be judged yourself.

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:22 PM Randy wrote ...

About time!! A judge that actually believes in people having rights. The judge gave the ruling to let the people decide. This is democracy. My opinion is that we have had enough rights removed from us, if you don't want to be in an establishment that allows smoking, stay home or try to find one that is non smoking. I think you'll find that non smoking bars don't work financially for the owner or there would be more of them.

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:20 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Stay home Kate and smoke yourself dead.

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Chicken S$$$ Judge. Has to be a smoker. Another year of cancer sticks. Losers.

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:15 PM TBEE wrote ...

kate, you need to get a clue. i hope those cigarettes make you cough.

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This state never ceases to amaze me. GET WITH THE TIMES judge. I hope the people in her district vote her OUT!

Friday, Nov 13 at 4:04 PM kate wrote ...

if you dont like it then dont go there, there are plenty of places that are non smoking so go there and get over it!

Friday, Nov 13 at 3:59 PM Bill wrote ...

How can the judge turn her back on written law? Were there enough valid signatures? That alone should have been enough. Let the stinky smokers get enough legal signatures to bring it to a vote to try to get smoking re-instated. My guess is that 50 per cent of the smokers are not even registered voters

Friday, Nov 13 at 3:53 PM TBEE wrote ...

Unbelievable. Toxic air for another year! You smokers rejoice at the expense of everyone else's health. Congrats to the casino owners, The American Legion (cigarette smoke capitol of the state)and other opponents of the ban, you are responsible for the worst quality air in town!

Friday, Nov 13 at 3:41 PM Britney wrote ...

I can't believe this. Why should we as americans have to put up with smokers in public places. Isn't my life or yours worth anything to our government. we shouldn't have to deal with our lives being at risk just so other people can fill a carving. Also there killing themselves by putting all those harmful chemicals in their bodies. That judge must be a smoker!!

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