Tobacco.org

County's smoking ordinance doused  

Allegan County property will remain a "smoking zone" after county commissioners opted Thursday, April 26, not to ban smoking by members of the public.

The commissioners instead requested that county administration draft an ordinance to designate areas within 25 feet of doorways as no-smoking zones but otherwise allow public tobacco use on county property.

Commissioner Steve McNeal led the charge to draft a less restrictive ordinance than the one originally proposed.

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Michigan's smoking ban necessary to protect health of employees and general public, several online readers say 

A look at 2 challenges to Michigan smoking ban 

EDITORIAL: Our view: Smoking ban is good, or bad, for all  

Two proposals would revise state’s smoking ban 

Debate lights up over smoking ban  

• Michigan Senate Adds Exemption to Indoor Smoking Ban 

A Republican senator sponsored a narrow exemption to the state's indoor smoking ban, but Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer complains it's the first step to repealing the ban completely.

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Legislation underscores simmering consternation over Mich. smoking ban at 2-year anniversary  

Some state lawmakers are trying to burn holes in Michigan's two-year-old smoking ban, which has cleared the air in public places and enjoyed support but contributed to cash-flow problems at some bars.

An amendment added to a budget bill by one lawmaker this past week would stop enforcement of the ban at longtime charitable fundraising events. A Senate bill introduced last year would allow smoking in enclosed, separate rooms and outdoor patios of eateries.

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• Cursing, charges of ‘Orwellian’ behavior bring changes to smoking rules  

Allegan County commissioners were reminded Thursday that where there's smoke, there's fire when it comes to regulating where the public can light up their cigarettes.

About a half dozen residents told the commission the proposed ban on smoking on all county property was a violation of rights, a step toward socialism and Orwellian. Several audience members yelled obscenities or muttered curses at the commissioners as they discussed the issue.

The proposed ordinance was modified to ban smoking within 25 feet of a building or enclosed structure and allow people who violate the rule to get a written warning first before any fines are imposed.

"This prevents 90 percent of the complaints I've heard," said Commissioner Steve McNeal, who represents Holland and Fillmore Township.

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WITH VIDEO: Careless disposal of butts may ban smokers from Marine City beach  

Smoldering cigarette starts apartment fire in Wyoming  

A smoldering cigarette is to blame for starting a massive apartment fire in Wyoming early Saturday morning.

Fire crews from Wyoming and Kentwood responded to the call at Boulder Ridge Apartments just after 3:30 a.m.

Wyoming Fire Lt. John Nauta says a tenant on the third floor deck of the three-story apartment left a cigarette burning on top of other old cigarettes in a plastic astray. He said the fire started on the deck, then spread to all three floors.

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Cigarette caused Wyoming apartment fire that displaced 24 families (photos) 

Smoke signals new career for cigar enthusiast  

Casa de la Habana -- Lanier is changing the name to Casa Plymouth -- is a retail store with a large humidor that specializes in high-end cigars, plus a public lounge where cigars smokers can light up and have coffee, pop or iced tea and use wireless Internet access or watch television.

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Smoking Blamed For Fatal House Fire 

Authorities say smoking materials caused a fire at an apartment in Grand Rapids that killed an 83-year-old woman. Mlive.com says Barbara Eastway was found inside the apartment following the fire, which was reported about 6 a.m. Wednesday.

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Grim but blunt anti-smoking ads showing early signs of success