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Judge considers smoking challenge 

LINCOLN -- A Lancaster County judge heard arguments today about whether to dismiss a challenge to Nebraska's smoking ban.

District Court Judge Jodi Nelson made no immediate ruling on the request, made by attorneys for the state. She said she would decide the case after receiving legal briefs from both sides.

Big John's Billiards, an Omaha pool hall, filed the challenge against the state law banning smoking in public buildings and workplaces. The company argues that exemptions to the ban are arbitrary and amount to special legislation in violation of the Nebraska Constitution. It also argued that the ban would harm the pool hall's business.

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