Kansas Gov. to Sign Smoking Ban on Friday

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson plans to sign a bill that will ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places.

Parkinson has scheduled a ceremony for 10 a.m. Friday in the

south wing of the Statehouse’s second floor. He’s also planning to

re-enact the signing Monday in Kansas City, Kan., and Salina.

Legislators approved the bill two weeks ago, and it will take

effect July 1.

The bill bans smoking not only in restaurants and bars, but in

retail stores, libraries, theaters and most places of employment.

It has exceptions for tobacco shops, private clubs and

designated smoking areas in nursing homes. The most-criticized

exception is for the gambling areas of new state-owned casinos.