JACKSON RESTAURANT IGNORES SMOKING BAN - Judge Orders Compliance

(12/07/2007)
Owners of the M&R Restaurant in Ripley have continued to allow smoking after a smoking ban went into effect over a year ago in Jackson County.

Owners David and Cathy Judge were in court yesterday for a hearing in which Judge Thomas Evans III decided the court will enforce an injunction to make the couple comply with health department orders.

The Clean Indoor Air Regulations went into effect in October 2006, but the owners have allowed customers to continue smoking.

"I think I should be able to offer a facility to the smoking population in Jackson County and let them come in and have a good time," said Cathy Judge.

Several of the restaurants customers went to court in support of the owners.