Nebraska Enacts Toughest Smoking Ban

from WorldNetDaily

Omaha's tough new anti-smoking ordinance banning the practice in nearly all public places comes with an even tougher enforcement policy. The Nebraska city's elected leaders and police department are urging residents who see violations to call the 9-1-1 emergency system for an immediate response. Omaha banned smoking in public Oct. 2. Penalties are $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $500 for the third and subsequent infractions.

The ban encourages observers of infractions to pick up the phone to report the infraction – just like they would for any other crime they observe being committed. In the three weeks since the new smoking ban took effect, people have been observing the law. The new smoking ban applies to bars that serve food and those that don't have keno licenses. Some bars have applied for keno licenses to keep their smokers happy, and a few decided to give up food instead of smoking.