Smoking lawsuit filed in Creek County

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association filed a lawsuit Thursday in Creek County District Court to block new rules placing limits on smoking in most public places. <br><br>The rules signed Wednesday by Governor

Thursday, June 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association filed a lawsuit Thursday in Creek County District Court to block new rules placing limits on smoking in most public places.

The rules signed Wednesday by Governor Keating require restaurants with a no-smoking section and seating for more than 50 to provide a separately ventilated room for smokers. The association says the rules place a financial hardship on restaurants and that the State Health Department is overstepping its authority.

The lawsuit filed by Freddie's Steakhouse of Sapulpa will ask for an immediate stay of the rules, which take effect on Monday.