Kearney, Mo. Passes Smoking Ban

Yesterday, the Kearney Board of Alderman narrowly voted to approve a new law that will virtually outlaw smoking indoors.

The new law bans smoking in almost every indoor space that is not a private residence, including bars, restaurants, tobacco stores and areas owned by private clubs, like the local VFW Post, which says it will likely shut down because of the decision.

Only private residences, 25 percent of hotel rooms and patio areas were exempted under the new law.

Owners of businesses caught in violation of the new rules will be fined $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second and $500 for the third violation within a one-year period.

The Board of Alderman approved the smoking 3-2 with the city’s mayor being the deciding vote. Earlier this month, Kearney residents voted in favor of the smoking ban after it was put on a special ballot. The new law should go into effect within 30 days.

Kearney is located approximately 25 miles northeast of Kansas City and had a 2013 population estimate of 9,038 people.

Charlie Minato

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade, covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A. In addition, I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel. I enjoy playing tennis, watching boxing, falling asleep to the Le Mans 24, wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros. echte liebe.