German state bans smoking at Oktoberfest
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Smokers heading to Germany's famous annual beer festival, Oktoberfest, will be stuck lighting up outside after voters Sunday supported a total smoking ban in Bavarian for restaurants, bars, cafes and beer tents.
Although voter turnout for the referendum was relatively low, at 37.7 percent, a full 61 percent of those casting ballots favored a complete ban on smoking, according to Bavarian election officials. The ban overturning an existing law will take effect on Aug. 1, with an exception allowing limited smoking at this year's Oktoberfest. (AP)
