TOPEKA — Will the new statewide ban on smoking go up in smoke? A Shawnee County judge said he’ll answer that question today before the law takes effect Thursday. Shawnee County District Judge Franklin Theis has heard arguments in a challenge to the smoking ban. A group of businesses and restaurants filed in court for an injunction against the smoking ban. They argue the new law violates the state constitution because it doesn’t treat all businesses equally. The law bans smoking in most public places, including bars, restaurant, some private clubs and bingo parlors. However, legislators allowed an exception to the law in the gambling areas of state-owned casinos. The state argues the law will improve the health of Kansans and won’t harm businesses.
Wednesday, June 30, 11:30 a.m.
