On June 24th, 2008, Big John's Billiards has filed a lawsuit asking a district court judge to change the smoking ban. Lawyers for the business owners in Omaha commented that the anti-smoking ordinance is unconstitutional because it gives unreasonable advantage to the business establishments located outside of Omaha. The lawyers also argue that it does not give a specific period on when will be the smoking ban will be enforce by the Omaha's police department.
The lawsuit also implores the city to cancel the enforcement of the smoking ban and to again study the law. The proprietor of Side Pockets in Papillion commented that he's seen an astonishing rise in the number of customers that is visiting their establishment in the week after the state courts canceled the smoking ban exemption on keno business and stand alone bars.
Deputy City Attorney Tom Mumgaard commented that the city does not agree on what the lawsuit of Big John is claiming. A hearing will be held on July 15th, 2008. Just recently, another Judge reviewed another lawsuit by another organization of business owners that includes Horsemen's Park.
[03-07]
Louis Blechdom
