SeattlePI.com: Restaurant strikes blow for liberty

From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

The first legal challenge of the state's new smoking ban may be brewing in a Southwestern-style eatery and tequila cantina in Bellingham.

The Whatcom County Health Department is asking a court to fine Casa Que Pasa for allegedly allowing repeated violations of the statewide indoor smoking ban in its colorful bar where tequila shots range from $2.75 to $25 a piece.

They're supposed to tell their customer "That'll be 25 bucks for the tequila shot, but you can't light up!"

Casa Que Pasa prides itself on a laid-back and festive atmosphere. The kitchen specializes in big burritos, many vegetarian, and the walls are covered in artwork and murals.

You hear that? Vegetarian burritos! Nothing can damage the health of someone who eats vegetarian burritos!

And the owner believes his patrons have a "right" to smoke, according to Whatcom County officials.

Initiative 901 says otherwise. Now, county officials have asked a court to fine the establishment's owner, Abel Jordan, $100 per day he's out of compliance with the smoking ban approved by voters in November.

I know you're saying that's only four tequila shots, but freedom is at stake! Go there, light up, and order a Danish beer today, but don't order any of the food if you're Jewish--not even the vegetarian burritos.

Tags: smoking-bans, liberty, left-coast