Kansas City, Kan., passes smoking ban

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kansas City, Kan., officials have approved a smoking ban after reviewing the idea for almost two years.

The Unified Board of Commissioners of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., on Thursday voted 9-1 for an ordinance banning smoking in all indoor spaces.

The ban includes restaurants and bars but exempts their outdoor seating areas, as well as casino floors, tobacco shops, private clubs and some hotel rooms. In addition, businesses can apply for a $250 license exempting them from the ban for up to three years.

Health officials criticize the exemptions, saying they penalize workers who have to breathe secondhand smoke.

But supporters of the exemptions say businesses will need time to adjust.