Smoking Ban Challenge

By Angela Hatton

Paducah, KY – A judge has upheld a smoking ban in Paducah. McCracken Circuit Judge Jeff Hines upheld the city's side in the case brought by Side Pockets Billiards owner Dickie Todd, who challenged the ban. Todd argued that the city's ban regulated the use of his property and therefore required approval by the city's planning commission. Hines previously dismissed the case, but the Kentucky Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal in July, ordering Hines to hear arguments. The city says the ban serves a public health purpose, and city officials had the right to approve it. Jeremy Ian Smith, Todd's attorney, plans to meet with Todd today to discuss whether they will appeal the ruling.