DENVER, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- A Colorado judge rejected arguments the state smoking ban violates tavern-owner rights by offering exceptions to casinos, cigar bars and airport lounges.
Striking down the law "would amount to nothing more than substituting one personal view of the public good for that of the duly elected state Legislature," and "would breed disrespect for the rule of law and exacerbate cynicism toward the proper role of the judiciary," Chief U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock wrote, the Denver Post reported.
A coalition of tavern and bowling-alley owners and others fought the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, which went into effect July 1, arguing the exemptions for casinos and others violated equal-protection rights. Bingo halls, for example, are not exempt.
A lawyer representing the bar owners did not have an immediate comment.
