Kansas City smoking ban goes into effect Saturday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Jackson County judge is lifting his temporary restraining order on Kansas City's smoking ban.

The ban starts at midnight. Smoking will be prohibited in all bars and restaurants. But it will be allowed on gaming floors in Kansas City's two casinos.

Judge John O'Malley ruled Friday in a lawsuit filed by nine establishments that challenged the constitutionality of the smoking restrictions. He lifted a temporary restraining order, saying he'll allow the voter-approved ordinance to take effect, pending the outcome of the lawsuit.

The plaintiff bar owners are vowing to continue pressing the case. They argue it is unfair to restrict smoking in bars but not on casino gaming floors.

After a citywide vote, the ban was initially scheduled to start June 7.