We’ll leave off the obvious B-52’s reference for people who love to smoke. But, can’t help but noting that this Smoke Shack provision is probably done out of compassion for smokers who just can’t quit – after all – the average low temperature in Minneapolis is 4 degrees in January. Of course maybe eliminating the shacks and staying with the ban would be the best way yet to get folks to quit smoking.

The Minnesota House voted Thursday to give smokers some shelter — in smoking shacks outside of the bars and restaurants where lighting up became illegal six months ago.

The measure was tacked onto a supersized budget bill in the 11th hour of a wide-ranging debate that touched on abortion, guns, transit, the Republican National Convention — even landfills. It was the first time the Legislature revisited the “Freedom to Breathe Act” approved last year.

In a 73-59 vote, the House voted to allow smoking in shelters outside of establishments, though the smokers would have to do without food or drink service. Smoking ban supporters warned that the change could open the door to “mischief,” but the DFL and GOP defenders of bar and restaurant owners overruled them.

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