MINNESPOLIS, Minn., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Ramsey County, Minn., commissioners have voted to ban smoking in all of the county's 1,369 restaurants, it was reported Tuesday.
Ramsey County enacted the ban after St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly vetoed a smoking ordinance passed by the City Council for the second time. The countywide smoking ban would affect about 850 bars and restaurants in St. Paul.
However, an establishment that derived more than half its revenue from alcohol sales could apply for an exemption. That compromise provision could exempt nearly a third of the city's restaurants from the smoking ban, the Minnesota Star Tribune said.
Kelly supported the less-restrictive countywide ban because it would have less impact on businesses. Minneapolis and Bloomington passed tougher anti-smoking laws this year that ban smoking in all bars and restaurants.
Hennepin County is considering a strict smoking ban similar to the one passed in Minneapolis.
