TACOMA: Park smoking shouldn't be banned

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  Russ Duke, head of CDHD, applauded the city leaders for taking steps to protect public health. He also spoke of the importance of protecting the employees of businesses who would otherwise have to work in environments where they are exposed to second-hand smoke.

  A desire to protect workers was one of the major inspirations for council members Elaine Clegg and retired member Alan Shealy, who were early advocates of the smoke ban.

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  The smoking ban exempts “exclusive retail tobacconists” — businesses with sales that are 95 percent tobacco and tobacco products, with no more than four seats for customers. Ali Alsudani and two other Boise hookah bar owners say they can’t afford to operate if they’re limited to serving four customers at a time. Get news from Boise, Garden City and Mountain Home

• The end of a smoky era: Boise bar-goers take their last puffs before a new ordinance takes effect

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