More No-Smoking Drama Coming to Minnesota Capitol

ST. PAUL (AP) - The curtain could soon fall on smoking as part of theatrical productions in Minnesota.

A state senator wants to outlaw actors from puffing away as part of plays. Democratic Sen. Barb Goodwin of Columbia Heights introduced her bill doing that on Thursday.

It's one of the rare exceptions to a state indoor smoking ban in public places. People aren't permitted to smoke in arenas, nursing homes, common space of apartment buildings and meeting rooms. Minnesota has outlawed smoking in bars and restaurants since 2007.

After that took effect, some bars started holding theater nights where customers cast themselves as actors so they could smoke.

State law permits smoking in performances as long as patrons are given notice in advance and it is noted in performance programs.

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