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Updated: 10:49 PM Jan 20, 2010
Topeka Smoke Shop/Bar Owner Cited
Hot Pockets owner Jim Sulwaski says Topeka Police cited him for violating the city's no-smoking ordinance.
Posted: 10:49 PM Jan 20, 2010Reporter: 13 News |
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10 Comments 
Topeka (WIBW) - A man who's using creative means to get around Topeka's smoking ban was issued a citation Wednesday night.
Hot Pockets owner Jim Sulwaski says four Topeka Police officers came into his business just before 6:30 pm and cited him for violating the city's indoor smoking ban. He says he was standing behind the counter of the smoke shop portion of his business at the time.
Sulwaski contends that while a portion of his business is a bar, a taped off area is a smoke shop and the ordinance has an exception for smoke shops.
Sulwaski smoked a cigarette while talking to 13 News about the situation Wednesday. He called the $50 citation "bogus" and says he will fight it.
Topeka's City Attorney issued an opinion in December that Sulwaski's actions violated the ban.
Latest Comments
I don't see why we just cant take a page from KC where a business can pay a 250 dollar annual fee to allow smoking in their establishments. This is so stupid to be fining Hot Pockets. If you don't smoke and don't want to be around others smoking then don't go in there. It's about choices. I don't drink and can't stand the smell of alcohol so I made a choice not to go to bars or sit in bar sections of restaurants. It's that simple. If you don't like it then don't go there. Pres. Obama admits he used to smoke he publicly gave up the habit, per his wife’s request, to run for president (source is ABC News). What would people say if a law passed that alcohol could not be sold in restaurants, concerts, games,or bars anymore cause that leads to drinking and driving which is illegal and could lead to death of innocent bystanders who are on the roads driving legally. This smoking ban is stupid. What next you can't smoke in your own home because other people are there?
I understand the fear people are expressing about rights being taken away but do smokers have the right to take other peoples lifes? Yes if we don't like it at Hot Pockets we don't have to go there but how long before more place follow Hot Pockets loophole? Personaly I hope this loophole don't get excepted or the whole no smoking ordinace will fall apart. I feel there's more people against smoking than for it !!!!
I am not a smoker, but I feel that a business should have the decision to allow smoking/no smoking. Those of us that do not smoke and do not want to be by it, then we have the choice to go elsewhere. I just think that it is a shame that TPD can write tickets for smoking, but they are not out in the morning or afternoon giving tickets to these people that are speeding through these school zones and kids have to watch out for cars and not the other way around. Once again TPD, go fight real crime and go where you are needed. You must of did not have doughnuts, chinese/japenese food/or any sub-sandwiches.
