TOPEKA — If you smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette, you’ll have to stand under a tree. The Kansas smoking ban went into effect today. Except for some narrow exemptions, a Shawnee County judge allowed a new law banning smoking in most public places to take effect. Because of a mistake in how the bill was written, Shawnee County District Judge Franklin Theis exempted 31 night clubs from the new law. Franklin County health director Midge Ransom said the decision will ensure the health of Kansans and their children who go to public places. Kansas joins most states in banning smoking from public places, she said. The group that challenged the smoking ban say they’re considering an appeal.
Thursday, July 1, 6:30 a.m.
