Effective this morning, the Kansas smoking ban has officially gone into effect. The state now prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces, joining 30 other states that enforce a similar policy.
When news of the ban originally broke, several businesses decided to take the ruling to court. A Shawnee County District Court ruled yesterday that the ban would be enforced, however over 30 private clubs may permit smoking. This replaces the old policy that had a ban in place in Kansas, however bars and restaurants could opt out by paying an annual $250 fee.
There appear to be more legal challenges on the horizon from a variety of bars, restaurants and casinos that feel the law will greatly restrict business and could be unconstitutional. It will be interesting to see how many of these businesses win a permit to allow smoking such as the private clubs that benefited from the Shawnee County Court’s ruling.
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