HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 Mar 22 - Cape Cod Times Article: "SJC: Board can ban smoking in privat clubs" t;ape c;od�l�imes � ivuaaay lvews upaate rage i oi i
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SJC: Bosrd can ban smoking �n privat�e clubs
BOSTON-The state's highest court ruled today that local boards of
health can ban smoking in privaie ctubs.
The Supreme J�icial Court, ruling in a challenge to the town of
Athal's regulation, overiumed�lower court judge's ruling that the
board of health exceeded its authority by extending a statewide ban on
warkplace smoking to include private ctubs. �
The health board had argued that private clubs should be bound by the
same rules as camme,rciai workplaces. A Superior Cau�t judge Iater
niled that the town regulation was unreagoaable and arbitrary, and
could a�be enfio�ced.
But the 5JC found that the 20041aw establislung the statewide ban on
workplace smoking did not limit further restrictions on smoking by any
loeal ordinance or teg�ulation.
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' Members of the Americ�Lithuanian Nat�u�lizatio�Club of Athol, `
� which challenged the anti-smoking regiil�tion,were disapgointed by
� the ruting.
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' "It's too bad," said Tim White,financial secretary for the club. "We're in
an age where everybody is auti-smokin�anyway. We're fighting an
uphiH battle to begin with."
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http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/updat�ndex.htm 3/22/2006