Free Republic

Judge snuffs out ban on smoking; Pierce County board will appeal By Kyung M. Song Seattle Times staff reporter A Pierce County Superior Court judge yesterday overturned the county health board's blanket ban on smoking in public places, ruling that the ban illegally co-opts state law that specifically exempts bars, restaurants, taverns and bowling alleys from having to be smoke-free. Judge Ronald Culpepper issued an injunction against the smoking ban, prompting the Tacoma/Pierce County Board of Health to immediately suspend enforcing its 3-week-old landmark resolution. The health board said it will appeal Culpepper's ruling. Linda Matson, executive director of the...