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LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug 18, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- In the heart of tobacco country, smoking has been snuffed out in many Louisville businesses.
Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson signed the city's new smoking restrictions into law, making it illegal to light up in most restaurants and other businesses that don't have separately ventilated smoking rooms.
It goes into effect Nov. 15.
"Louisville will become, in my judgment, a healthier hometown for us all," Abramson told the Louisville Courier-Journal.
The City Council approved the ban 21-5 on Aug. 10. The ordinance exempts Churchill Downs, as well as bars and other establishments that derive at least 25 percent of their gross sales from alcohol.
Stacy Roof, president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Restaurant Association, said that some restaurants were considering filing suit to block the ban.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
