Jump to full article: Yankton (SD) Press & Dakotan, 2009-11-17
Intro: Based on a judge's decision last week - and pending a possible appeal - South Dakota's proposed smoking ban extension will go to a vote of the people a year from now. And that's where the decision belongs.
The law, which would ban smoking in bars, video lottery operations and Deadwood casinos, was passed by the Legislature last winter. . . .
What we all hope should follow during the next year is an informative discussion on the pros and cons of public smoking. This discussion should include the rights of business owners versus the rights of the public, the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke, the economic impact of smoking not only in terms of businesses that may rely on it but also on health care in this country. The discussion must also include what's best for the future of this state and for its people.
The smoking ban vote should be an opportunity for the public to get involved in this dialogue. Whether we all do or not remains to be seen. Let's all hope to see it.
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