Evergrey
02-06-2007, 05:28 PM
I didn't know Erie Co. passed a smoking ban... how progressive of them
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07037/759805-100.stm
Erie tavern owners sue over county smoking ban
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
ERIE, Pa. -- A group of tavern owners has filed a lawsuit against Erie County in an effort to block a smoking ban scheduled to take effect Feb. 17.
An attorney representing the owners of the Corner Tavern and Grille in Corry and Willow's tavern in Erie filed the lawsuit and an injunction request yesterday in Erie County Court.
The suit contends that the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act, which applies to public and private employers, supersedes the county ordinance, which was approved overwhelmingly in December and would ban smoking in most indoor public places.
"The ban is illegal," said Walt Bowen, one of three owners of the Corner Tavern.
The plaintiffs maintain that the ordinance would prevent them from exercising their right to offer patrons a choice of whether or not to smoke. They said they believe it will cause them to lose patrons and revenue and incur other costs.
Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio said he was not surprised by the lawsuit and believes the ordinance will survive the court challenge. He said such bans have proven beneficial to businesses as well as community health in other states.
The Erie County ban would apply to all enclosed public places, such as bars, sports arenas and businesses.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07037/759805-100.stm
Erie tavern owners sue over county smoking ban
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
ERIE, Pa. -- A group of tavern owners has filed a lawsuit against Erie County in an effort to block a smoking ban scheduled to take effect Feb. 17.
An attorney representing the owners of the Corner Tavern and Grille in Corry and Willow's tavern in Erie filed the lawsuit and an injunction request yesterday in Erie County Court.
The suit contends that the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act, which applies to public and private employers, supersedes the county ordinance, which was approved overwhelmingly in December and would ban smoking in most indoor public places.
"The ban is illegal," said Walt Bowen, one of three owners of the Corner Tavern.
The plaintiffs maintain that the ordinance would prevent them from exercising their right to offer patrons a choice of whether or not to smoke. They said they believe it will cause them to lose patrons and revenue and incur other costs.
Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio said he was not surprised by the lawsuit and believes the ordinance will survive the court challenge. He said such bans have proven beneficial to businesses as well as community health in other states.
The Erie County ban would apply to all enclosed public places, such as bars, sports arenas and businesses.
