GRAND FORKS -- The Grand Forks City Council has approved extending the city's workplace smoking ban to bars, truck stops and casinos.
The ban begins Aug. 15. The council voted 4-3 on Monday to approve the new rules. Mayor Mike Brown cast the tie-breaking vote.
The cities of Fargo and West Fargo have had similar bans for almost two years.
The North Dakota Legislature banned smoking in most public workplaces in August 2005. Lawmakers have declined to extend the ban to bars and truck stops, but local governments may approve stricter anti-smoking laws.
The Grand Forks ordinance allows people to smoke outside a bar if they're at least 15 feet from the door. Businesses also may provide semi-enclosed outdoor shelters for smoking in cold weather.
