Ala. town bans smoking in public places

  BROOKSIDE, Ala. (AP) - A small Alabama town has banned smoking
in public places.
    The Brookside Town Council approved the ban Monday night. But
authorities say they won’t enforce the new ordinance until “no
smoking” signs are posted throughout the town.

    The only exemptions to the ordinance are businesses that don’t
even exist in Brookside - bars and other establishments where food
sales represent 25 percent or less of receipts. Businesses can
develop designated smoking areas, but they are not required.

    Violators could be fined up to $25.

    Brookside is a town of about 1,500 that lies 12 miles north of
Birmingham.