South Dakota efforts to delay statewide smoking ban until voter's decide

Organizer: S.D. petition on smoking ban a success

MITCHELL– The coordinator of an attempt to have South Dakota voters decide whether to enact a tougher smoking ban says more than enough petition signatures have been gathered.

“We’re in good shape as far as signatures needed. Now we’re just trying to build a buffer,” said Mann, of Rapid City.

The revised ban, set to take effect July 1, would make it illegal to smoke in public places such as bars, restaurants and video lottery establishments.

If at least 16,776 valid petition signatures are turned in by June 29, the ban won’t be enacted until voters decide the matter in November 2010

Good luck Mr. Mann, we at CTA will closely monitor the situation. Defeating this smoking ban is the only way to save South Dakota's hospitality and gaming industry from the fate that their neighbors in Minnesota have experienced.

Smoking bans in MN closed 327+ bars and restaurants eliminating 10,000+ jobs and decimated state gaming revenue here with losses of $100 million annually.

11/09 Update on South Dakota's delayed smoking ban found here.

posted by marcus aurelius @ 7:19 AM