Indy Smoking Ban Upheld In Court Of Appeals

A group of bar owners have lost their latest battle to strike down Indianapolis' smoking ban. 

Smoking in most public places in Indianapolis has been banned for well over a year.  A move that some businesses say is hurting sales. 

A federal lawsuit filed by local bar owners argues the ban infringes on a person’s basic rights.  On Monday, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago affirmed an Indianapolis court ruling that the law is constitutional. 

Lindsay Grace with the American Lung Association in Indiana, has been an outspoken advocate for a smoke free city.  She says the decision is not unexpected. 

"There has not been a smoke free law overtuned in the country for over 10 years," says Grace.

Evidence from the American Lung Association in Indiana about the harmful effects of second hand smoke was used in the case.  If the bar owners decides to pursue further legal action they will need to file an appeal within the next few months.