Maine's private clubs must vote on smoking ban by mid-September.

Publication: Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Maine) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

Bookmark this article Print this article Link to this article Email this article Digg It! Add to del.icio.us RSS

COPYRIGHT 2005 Kennebec Journal

Byline: Susan M. Cover

Aug. 20--AUGUSTA -- A new law designed to protect workers from secondhand smoke requires private club members -- Elks, veterans' and others -- to vote on a smoking policy by mid-September, or risk losing the right to smoke in their lodges and halls.

Even if they vote, and even if there's a majority that wants to continue smoking -- the objection of just one club employee could snuff out smoking for good.

The law, which will take effect Sept. 17, requires approximately 200 fraternal and veterans organizations across the state to poll all their members on whether they want smoking in their facilities.

Mike Lange, secretary of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge 2531, said his group spent more than $400 to send out ballots to...

Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.