Judge rejects challenge to Omaha's smoking ban

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A judge has rejected a challenge to Omaha's smoking ban.

Douglas County District Judge Mark Ashford denied Big John's Billiards' request for a temporary injunction against the smoking ban. In a ruling Friday, Ashford said the business failed to show substantial harm caused by the ordinance.

The state Supreme Court in May overturned the city's exceptions to the ban, including one made for businesses with keno.

Lawyers for Big John's argued that the elimination of the exemption created an uneven playing field because people can smoke in pool halls and bars with keno in nearby Ralston and La Vista.

A statewide smoking ban goes into effect next June.