Article: High court strikes down Ames smoking ban; Ruling says that state law supersedes local ordinance

DES MOINES (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a city ordinance in Ames banning smoking in restaurants, ruling that state law bans local laws that are stricter than state standards.

The high court overturned a lower court decision, saying the state's regulation of smoking calls for restaurants to set aside areas for smokers. An Ames ordinance banning those areas is prohibited by that law, the court said.

"Clearly, the provision in the ordinance of the city that prohibits designated smoking areas conflicts with the (law) which allows such designations," the court said.

When the Legislature approved restrictions on smoking in public

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!