Baxter to study ban on smoking

BAXTER -- Baxter officials will be researching some form of a smoking ban within the city.

The Baxter City Council Tuesday directed city staffers to bring back sample ordinances for a future council meeting.

The idea was brought to the council by council member Mark Cross, who said he had heard from several bar and restaurant managers and owners in Baxter who expressed a wish for a smoking ban.

"It's not only for the customer's health, but for the comfort of the staff and for worries about workmen's comp claims," Cross said at the meeting.

Baxter Mayor Gary Muehlhausen agreed, saying it's something that would be worth a look at for the city.

Baxter is believed to be the first community in the county to address the issue, but joins several cities and counties in Minnesota that are considering a smoking ban.

Other cities to ban smoking in bars and restaurants include Minneapolis, Bloomington and Duluth. St. Paul is considering a smoking ban.

MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.