Originally published Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 3:39 PM

State Senate approves exceptions to smoking ban

Washington state senators have approved a plan that would allow cigar and pipe smoking at a limited number of establishments.

By The Associated Press

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This is great news! Who would ever walk into a cigar bar and not be fully aware what... (May 17, 2011, by Izzle) Read more

So why the $17k????? Either it is okay or it isn't but why the extortion. (May 17, 2011, by kingcountyvotr) Read more

'Will of the voters' LOL. Except when it comes to the tunnel debate apparently. (May 17, 2011, by Prop Joe) Read more

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OLYMPIA — Washington state senators have approved a plan that would allow cigar and pipe smoking at a limited number of establishments.

Lawmakers narrowly passed the measure Tuesday afternoon, sending the bill to the House. The plan would permit up to 100 cigar lounges and 500 retail tobacco shops to allow smoking. Cigarettes would still be banned.

Businesses would have to pay annual fees of $17,500 to obtain cigar lounge endorsements and $6,000 to obtain tobacco store endorsements.

Supporters of the measure say it would allow some confined smoking for adults to enjoy in a social setting. Opponents say it violates the will of voters, who approved a strict smoking ban in 2005.

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