Michigan bar owner fighting state smoking ban

 

Published: Monday, April 04, 2011, 10:05 PM     Updated: Monday, April 04, 2011, 10:11 PM

By The Associated Press MLive.com

 

 

Muskegon Chronicle File PhotoA cigarette in an ash tray at Pat's Roadhouse Thursday April 22, 2010.

 

(Darren Breen/The Muskegon Chronicle)

A Warren bar owner has argued in court that patrons should be allowed to smoke in his establishment as they can in Michigan's casinos.

The Detroit News and The Macomb Daily report Monday that Sporty O'Toole's owner Boyd Cottrell appeared in Macomb County Circuit Court for a motion hearing. He says the state's nearly one-year-old smoking ban is unfair because it exempts casinos' gambling floors while prohibiting people from lighting up at bars that offer Keno and other wagering games.

The county filed a complaint against Cottrell ordering him to pay a $500 fine — his second offense for allowing smoking inside his bar.

The hearing has been adjourned to April 18 so Judge Edward Servitto can review arguments filed by Cottrell and the Michigan Department of Community Health.