Voters in West Plains, Mo. have approved a smoking ban that will bring an end to lighting up in nearly all public places, though cigar shops have been spared. During an election held April 5, 71% of voters supported a smoking ban that will apply to nearly all workplaces and public places in the city. Retail tobacco shops that derive at least 80% of their revenue from the sales of tobacco products have been granted an exemption under the new law. Several other exemptions have been included, including liquor establishments where less than 10 percent of the total income is derived from food sales, taxis and limousines for hire provided all passengers and the driver agree to smoking, and up to 20 percent of a hotel’s rooms, according to a report from KSMU.org. West Plains is located in the southwestern corner of Missouri, approximately 200 miles from St. Louis. It had a 2013 population estimate of 12,268 residents.
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