Should hookah bars remain open despite Washington's indoor smoking ban?

Keith Seinfeld — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:36:23 +0000

Washington banned indoor smoking nearly seven years ago, but one exception survives: hookah lounges.

Local health departments have struggled to shut them down.

The lounges say they’re private clubs, not public venues, so the law doesn’t apply. They all charge some sort of membership fee, typically about $5.

That defense doesn’t sway health officials, like Frank DiBiase of the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department. His office inspected three hookah bars in Tacoma last year.

Vancouver, Wash., council bans tobacco in city parks

The Associated Press — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:30:32 +0000

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Vancouver City Council voted Monday to ban tobacco from city parks and recreation centers.

The council heard from at least one speaker who called the ban a form of discrimination.