Smoking ban that took effect earlier this month in Boise, Idaho, causing hardship among hookah bar owners, as exemption covers only businesses with sales that are 95% tobacco products, seating for no more than four customers
Michelle Rivera
BOISE, Idaho
,
January 17, 2012
(Associated Press)
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The city of Boise's expansive new smoking ban is causing frustration among the city's small group of hookah bar owners.
A new law took effect earlier this month that prohibits smoking in bars, clubs and many other public areas. But the ordinance also has an exemption for exclusive tobacco retailers - defined as businesses with sales that are 95% tobacco products and seating for no more than four customers.
But The Idaho Statesman reports (http://bit.ly/wo6Vk2 ) the law is causing some hardship among a handful of hookah bar owners. Some say they may have to relocate their business, while others say they may go out of business.
Hookah bars are lounges where customers smoke flavored tobacco from elaborate water pipes and are becoming popular among young adults.
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