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Prosecutor Warns Of 'Theater Night' Smoking Ploy

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Feb 22, 2008 3:19 pm US/Central

Prosecutor Warns Of 'Theater Night' Smoking Ploy

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) ― The Clay County attorney is criticizing a growing movement to get around Minnesota's statewide smoking ban, and he says bar owners who join it risk legal trouble.

A loophole in the ban allows performers to smoke during theatrical plays, so several bars have staged "theater nights" in recent weeks so patrons can smoke. The premise is that the patrons are actors, so their cigarettes are props.

Prosecutor Brian Melton calls that a "knucklehead move" and says bar owners who stage these events could be prosecuted.

A lawyer who first had the idea estimates 50 to 100 bars around the state could hold theater nights this weekend.

State lawmakers have said the loophole will likely be plugged.

 

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