WICHITA, KS – A Sedgwick County District Court judge earlier this week lifted a temporary restraining order that prevented the statewide indoor smoking ban from applying to Wichita business, The Wichita Eagle reports.

As a result, the statewide smoking ban is now in effect in Wichita; it took effect in the rest of Kansas on July 1.

"There is no question that the Kansas Legislature can...regulate smoking in the state," explained Judge Jeff Goering in his ruling. "The scope and breadth of that regulation is a matter of public policy, and it is not for this Court to second guess the wisdom of that policy."

Supporters of the ban hailed the judge's decision.
 
"Today's ruling was another victory for public health," said Kevin Walker, regional vice president for advocacy for the American Heart Association. "We applaud the judge's ruling and are very happy that Wichita has joined the rest of the state in clearing the air in public venues."