Supreme Court snuffs out Ames smoking ordinance

The Iowa Supreme Court has snuffed out an Ames ordinance restricting smoking in the city. The lawsuit was filed by the owners of five restaurants, three bars and the Cyclone Truck Stop in Ames who objected to the ordinance which banned smoking in most public places. It meant there was no smoking in bars and restaurants between six a.m. and 8:30 p.m. The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled the no-smoking ordinance in Ames is stricter than state law, which lets bar and restaurant owners establish smoking areas within their businesses. Anti-smoking groups had hailed the move by Ames city leaders to restrict smoking in bars and restaurants. The state of California has a law banning smoking in most public places, including businesses that serve food and liquor.