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Clubs’ smoking ban ignites debate 

WEBSTER -- Debate about the Board of Health's decision to ban smoking in private clubs ignited last night during a meeting in the Police Department.

Representatives from two of the seven private clubs that allow smoking questioned the board, whose 2-1 vote on Feb. 1 forbids smoking in private establishments effective Monday.

Michael A. Stelmack, manager of TSKK Club on Harris Street, and Carl A. Paglione, commander and bar manager of the American Legion Post 184 on Houghton Street, were concerned about the possibility that a member might simply refuse to comply.

"It's your jurisdiction to have them removed from the club," Health Agent Thomas Purcell said. "Do what you have to do."

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