Jump to full article: Wahpeton (ND) Daily News, 2009-09-23
Author: Anna Jauhola • Daily News
Intro: With the announcement of a movement to make bars smoke free in Wahpeton, area bar owners are not happy.
The Richland County Tobacco Free Coalition is gathering signatures of support for a smoke-free ordinance in Wahpeton. Firehouse Pub owners Kirk Peterson and Steph Hickel said it comes down to a basic freedom of choice.
"Patrons who are here choose to be here," Peterson said. He argues if the city passes a smoke free law, its taking away his right to provide service to everyone. He said a lot of issues are not being addressed including job loss and economic impact.
Firehouse Pub bartender Jaki Ristow works full time at the bar and is opposed to the possible smoking ban in Wahpeton. The Richland County Tobacco Free Coalition is gathering signatures of support to impose a smoking ban in the city. Bar owners and employees are worried their livelihoods are in jeopardy. photo by Anna Jauhola
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