ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Navajo Nation Council has banned commercial tobacco in public places on the reservation — including such outdoor venues as rodeos and fairs.
The measure bans cigarettes and chewing tobacco — but not tobacco used in ceremonies for traditional or religious purposes — on the reservation across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The reservation is about the size of West Virginia.
Violators could be fined $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $500 for the third offense or possible community service.
Thomas Walker Jr., who sponsored the legislation, says council delegates approved the measure Friday evening on a vote of 42-27.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox