Olympia tavern challenges state smoking ban

A hearing scheduled Tuesday in Thurston County Superior Court may determine whether an Olympia tavern is violating the state smoking ban.

The owner of Frankie's Sports Bar & Grill, Frank Schnarrs, could face contempt of court charges. He says the second floor of his tavern is a smoke-friendly, members-only club, called Friends of Frankie's.

The hearing has been continued to give the prosecutor time to show evidence that Schnarrs is continuing to violate the law.

The criminal contempt charges could carry fines of up to $5,000 or a year in county jail, he said.

Schnarrs was joined at Friday's hearing by about 20 supporters wearing lime-green T-shirts saying: We Stand Beside You Frankie and Fight for Your Rights.

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Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com