By AP
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Veterans clubs across Michigan are signing petitions that seek to exempt the lodges from the pending statewide smoking ban.
The petition drive so far has 1,500 signatures from members of posts of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups.
The Grand Rapids Press reports that organizers hope to present the petitions April 3 to lawmakers they've invited to the Royal Canadian Legion Post 84 in Royal Oak.
Laura Van Heest of Tobacco Free Partners in Grand Rapids says younger veterans coming out of the service today smoke less than older veterans.
The smoking ban takes effect May 1. It applies to all bars, restaurants and workplaces but exempts cigar bars and the gaming floors of existing casinos.