North Dakota House Rejects Smoking Bans

The North Dakota House of Representatives voted 59-33 to reject a proposed public smoking ban, the Bismarck Tribune reported Jan. 20.

The ban would have applied to bars and hotels. Opponents cited their objections to limits on personal freedom and concerns about a negative impact on businesses. One lawmaker said that most Bismarck businesses with liquor licenses already prohibit smoking.

“A person’s rights end when it inflicts harm on others,” said Rep. Joyce Kingsbury, the bill’s sponsor, who said the measure would have saved lives among bar workers.