Burlington bar still lights up
Jump to full article: WQAD-TV (Moline, IL), 2008-08-28
Intro: Iowa and Illinois residents have been breathing easier ever since the Smoke-Free Air Act prohibted smoking in public places. And while most bars and restaurants are smoke free, one has ignored the law and is letting its patrons do the same.
At the West Burlington police station you can get a pamphelet on a smokefree Iowa or you can go right across the street to Otis Campbell's Bar and Grill and have a cigarette and dinner.
"I'm on the other side of the street literally and figuratively. I'm having people complain all the time about they're upset. They go in, they expect a smoke-free environment, they have to tolerate smokers," West Burlington police chief Alex Oblein said.
. . .
"I'm not a criminal, I'm not running from anybody. I'm just fighting for the Constitution what almost all of us believe in," owner Larry Duncan said. . . .
The police chief says there have been at least 44 complaints against the bar. But none of those complaints have led to an arrest, a ticket or a fine. . . .
The state still has to give final approval to renew Otis Campbell's liquor license and the police chief says they are aware of his refusal to ban smoking.
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