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Albuquerque Tobacconists Condemn Secretive Attempt to Pass Smoking Ban Amendment 

The only thing worse than bad legislation is bad sneaky legislation," said tobacconists Larry Montes and Al Baca when they learned that the Albuquerque City Council was expected to secretly move this Monday on an amendment to the local smoking ban that would eliminate the current exclusion of cigar stores and private clubs. Montes and Baca are members of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association.

For more than 30 years, Montes has owned Albuquerque's Montes Pueblo Pipe Shop, the largest tobacco shop in New Mexico. His customers include internationally known politicians and local dignitaries. Eight months ago he opened a private club fully in accord with the current law. Both businesses use state-of-the-art filtration and ventilation systems and neither business has received complaints from neighbors.

Now Montes fears both businesses would face extinction if the amendment passes.

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