Bartender's charges go up in smoke [View All]

[Mugu]

Case dismissed for woman who allegedly let bar patron light up.

PRINCETON - The case against a Spring Valley bartender accused of allowing a patron to illegally smoke in a tavern was dismissed Tuesday after prosecutors said the state had no right to charge her with such an offense.

Bureau County State's Attorney Pat Herrmann said after Karla Carrington's brief court hearing that once he reviewed the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which banned indoor smoking in public places beginning this year, he found no authority to file a formal charge.

"Upon reading the statute, it appears the statute does not put any onus on the bar employee or bar owner to prohibit smoking," Herrmann said. "(The act) does prohibit the bar employee or bar owner from smoking."

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