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• TPD won't be 'smoking police'  

Don't expect the Topeka Police Department to become the "smoking police" in the wake of Tuesday's city council adoption of a smoking ban.

"The TPD will only be involved in the enforcement of the ordinance at the point that the businesses need help with those who refuse to comply," Police Chief Ron Miller said Wednesday.

Miller spoke after the council voted 6-3 Tuesday to amend city rules by banning public smoking indoors and at places of employment, except in retail tobacco stores; outdoor places of employment; private places; private residences, except when used as a child care, adult day care or health care facility; and no more than 20 percent of hotel or motel rooms that are available to be rented to guests. The ordinance also bans smoking within 10 feet of the main entrance or air handling unit of a public place, which is defined as "any enclosed area to which the public is invited or in which the public is permitted." It requires the owner, manager, operator or other person having control of a place where smoking is banned to take all necessary steps to prevent it.

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