Tobacco.org

• Smoking ban opponents optimistic about drive to put issue on 2010 ballot 

Opponents of a law to extend a state smoking ban to include bars and casinos expect to have the needed number of petition signatures to refer the law to a public vote.

And they're planning on turning them in a week before the June 29 deadline.

Larry Mann of Rapid City, who coordinates the petition drive for Citizens for Individual Freedom, said the ballot-issue committee plans to turn in petitions to the secretary of state in Pierre on June 22. . . .

The South Dakota Legislature approved HB1240, which would expand a state ban on smoking in businesses and public places to include bars and casinos. Gov. Mike Rounds signed the bill into law, which would take effect July 1.

If the required 16,776 signatures are verified, however, the law would be suspended pending the next general election vote in November 2010.

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