A hearing was held Tuesday on a St Joe bar owner’s constitutional challenge of the ordinance.
Steve Peterman of Peterman’s Shamrock filed suit to block the smoking ban. In court documents, Peterman asserts the ordinance violates the Missouri Constitution by exempting St Jo Frontier Casino. His lawyer Jonathan Sternberg also challenged a section of the ordinance that repeals the exemption in the event that other governments or casinos in the area ban smoking.
Circuit Judge Randall Jackson heard arguments from both sides and then took the request for an injunction blocking enforcement under advisement.
Judge Jackson says he will issue a ruling within the next couple of days. The ordinance is currently scheduled to go into effect June 7.