Lawrence bars to be smoke-free starting Monday

LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) - Starting Oct. 1, Lawrence bars will be smoke free after an ordinance passed by the Lawrence Common Council was passed.

The ordinance, supported by Smoke Free Indy, is very similar to the one implemented by Indianapolis earlier this year.

Smoke Free Indy members will be visiting Lawrence bard Friday to distribute education materials about the new law.

The new law will be celebrated Monday with a Happy Hour event from 6- 8 p.m. at Lord Ashley's Pub, located at 111703 Pendleton Pike.

"This is an important step in protecting the health of workers and consumers," said Lindsay Grace, chair of Smoke Free Indy. "Eliminating secondhand smoke is one of the most important things we can do to reduce risk factors for countless health threats. More than 70 percent of voters in Marion County, including Lawrence, recognize that fact and favor smoke-free laws that include bars and restaurants. We're glad the councilors and mayor worked together to pass this ordinance."

Lawrence, along with Beech Groce, Southport, and Speedway, is one of the unincorporated areas of Marion County.