Light up: Casper, Wyo. repeals smoking ban for bars

6/22/2013

CHEYENNE, Wyo.  — Not all of America is moving toward banning smoking indoors and out. Months after enacting a smoking ban, Casper, Wyo., is now telling smokers it’s OK to light up in some public spaces.

The City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to repeal part of an indoor smoking ban in effect since September. The vote lifted the ban for bars, but kept it in place for restaurants.

Bar owners had complained about losing business to competitors in nearby towns that allowed smoking. Repeal supporters also called the ban an example of government getting too involved in civic life, citing New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s efforts to ban super-sized soft drinks.

Supporters say the changes affect only a small number of businesses. Opponents are collecting signatures to put the issue before voters.