The Associated Press
LEXINGTON - The first business cited for violating Lexington's indoor smoking ban has chosen to pay its fine rather than fight the case in court, according to its attorney.
Jerry Wright, who represents Jackpot Bingo, said the business' owners will pay $100. The case was to go to trial in Fayette County District Court on Tuesday.
Jackpot Bingo was cited for violating the ban on April 30, three days after enforcement of the ban began.
"We're trying to comply with the ordinances and we've made some changes," Wright said. "From a business sense, we decided it was better to go ahead and pay the first citation."
Wright previously said Jackpot Bingo should fall under an exemption for charities, because charitable groups lease the building for fund-raising events.
Tucker Richardson, an attorney for several restaurants and bars cited for violating the ban, said his clients still plan to go to court. Richardson has argued the ban is unconstitutional because it takes money away from businesses.
The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled in April that the ban could be enforced by Fayette County authorities.
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