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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 5:01 p.m., Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Bar owners challenge anti-smoking law in court

By KEN KOBAYASHI
Advertiser Courts Writer

The state's new law banning smoking within 20 feet of bars, restaurants, workplaces and some public areas is now being challenged in state courts.

The Hawai'i Bar Owners Association filed a Circuit Court lawsuit Tuesday contending that the law violates the state constitution because it does not provide "just compensation" to the association's members who are suffering financial harm from having to exclude smokers from their establishments. The suit also said the law is too vague.

The lawsuit asks for a court order prohibiting the state from enforcing the law and a declaration that the law violates the state constitution.

The law went into effect Nov. 16.

State officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Reach Ken Kobayashi at kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8030.