FALCON HEIGHTS (AP) — Smoking will be a little trickier at this year's Minnesota State Fair.

A new rule limits smoking to 18 stations set up around the fairgrounds. Smokers will no longer be allowed to light up while walking down Dan Patch Avenue.

The fair's governing board approved the new rule in January. It will be enforced when this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together runs Aug. 22 through Sept. 2.

A State Fair spokeswoman says the decision came after years of seeing how other fairs handle smoking.

The Minnesota State Fair already banned smoking in all buildings on the Fairgrounds as well as in entertainment venue seating areas such as the band shell and Grandstand. But until now, smoking was allowed in most public areas.

More From AM 1240 WJON