Smokers in Indiana will have to look harder for places to light up under a new smoking ban that took effect Sunday.
The ban prohibits smoking in public places, places of employment, most state government vehicles and within eight feet of an entrance to a public place, according to House Enrolled Act No. 1149 .
The law has exceptions, though. Smoking is still allowed in bars that only permit people over the age of 21, including riverboat casinos, cigar and hookah lounges, and some fraternal clubs.
One club, American Legion Post 243 in Noble County near Fort Wayne, filed an injunction in U.S. District Court Thursday challenging the new law according to the Indianapolis Star. Representatives of the post say the law violates the equal protection clause of the Indiana and U.S. Constitutions, The Star reported.
The new legislation also requires businesses to post signs noting the prohibition of smoking within eight feet of an entrance. It allows local municipalities to enact stricter bans as well.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the bill into law in March.
