St. Joseph bar owner sues to block smoking ban

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A St. Joseph bar owner is suing to block a new smoking ban in the city.

Stephen Peterman, owner of Peterman's Shamrock, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Buchanan County Court.

His attorney, Jonathan Sternberg, says the smoking ban violates the Missouri Constitution because it excludes the St. Jo Frontier Casino gambling floor. He says the city can legally ban smoking but it did not do it properly under state law.

Voters in April approved a ban in all enclosed places of employment. The exceptions are the casino, 10 percent of hotel rooms and in private clubs when no employees are present.

The St. Joseph News-Press reported a court hearing is scheduled for July 26. City officials declined to comment on the lawsuit.