Smoking ban in Delaware County bars, clubs upheld

A judge in Muncie has denied a request for a temporary injunction against a smoking ban in Delaware County's taverns and fraternal organizations.

The Star Press reports Delaware Circuit Judge Marianne Vorhees denied a request to block an enhanced smoking ordinance passed by Delaware County commissioners in August.

Voorhees wrote in her order Friday that efforts to obtain the injunction should have taken place before the ordinance went into effect Aug. 11.

The Delaware County Licensed Beverage Association, four local fraternal organizations and a tobacco shop are suing the permanently block the ordinance. A trial date has not been set.

The new smoking ban follows one enacted in 2006 that excluded taverns and fraternal lodges.