KOTA Territory NewsBattle over butts may expand

Battle over butts may expand

While voters have yet to weigh in on the South Dakota smoking ban, bar and casino owners attempt an end run by using the ballot box to exempt their businesses from any anti–smoking laws.

House Bill 1253 would set up a separate vote to authorize smoking in certain establishments under certain conditions.   The smoking area has to be restricted to people 21 and older, or be a licensed gaming establishment.  That means casinos and bars.

The bill will first be discussed in the House Health and Human Services Committee, but no date has been set.

If lawmakers approve the bill and Governor Mike Rounds doesn't veto it, voters will have their say in the November general election.

There could be some confusion, however, since another smoking ban issue is already on the ballot; one that would repeal the state's ban that was singed into law last year but never enacted.