CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - Opponents of Casper's smoking ban are busy
circulating a petition to put the issue on November's ballot.
     Casper businessman Pat Sweeney submitted about 2,000 signatures
to the city on Monday.
   Opponents need at least 1,896 valid signatures. They would like to
gather between 5,000 and 8,000 by the July 17th deadline because
some will likely be thrown out as invalid.
     Businesses around the city have copies of the petition to sign.
Smoking ban opponents will also be collecting signatures at the
Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo.
     The smoking ban is due to take effect Sept. 1. However, if the
issue makes it onto the ballot, city councilors will revisit it.

     (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)