US: Nebraska Court Denies Smoking Appeal

Source from:  Cigar Aficionado 11/18/2014

Smoking inside Nebraska cigar bars and retail was officially extinguished last week when the state's Supreme Court rejected the final effort from the state to keep the privilege.

Last Wednesday, the Nebraska Supreme Court denied a request by state Attorney General Jon Bruning to rehear Big John's Billiards v. Nebraska. When the court ruled on that case in August, it decided the exemptions in the statewide smoking ban that allowed smoking inside cigar bars and shops were "special legislation," and so they were removed.

Shortly after the controversial ruling, Bruning's office filed a motion asking the Supreme Court to rehear the case. Additionally, an appeal was filed by the Nebraska Premium Tobacco Association, which represents eight cigar bars and tobacco shops.

Reports say smoking inside tobacco shops and cigar bars will continue until owners receive a mandate from the state, which could be sent out in as little as 10 days. Enditem