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Great Falls Repeals Smoking Ordinance

By Beacon Staff

GREAT FALLS – Great Falls city commissioners have repealed a city ordinance that said you cannot smoke within 20 feet of a public building.

The Montana Tavern Association had lobbied the commissioners to change the ordinance, because they say it is too hard to enforce.

Tavern owner Doug Palagi said he wanted to build an outdoor shelter for his smoking patrons, who now have to smoke outside. But he says he couldn’t justify the expense of building that shelter with the 20-foot-rule in effect.

Commissioners Bill Beecher and John Rosenbaum suggested the commission could reconsider after new members are sworn in in January.