Navajo tribe bans commercial tobacco

Ceremonial uses would still be allowed on sprawling reservation

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updated 11:00 p.m. ET July 26, 2008

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Navajo Nation Council has approved a ban on commercial tobacco in public places on its vast reservation — including such outdoor venues as rodeos and fairs.

The measure would ban 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.

Legislation sponsor Thomas Walker Jr. says delegates approved the measure 42-27 Friday.

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Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has 10 days to sign or veto the law once it reaches his desk.

Violators could be fined $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $500 for the third or possible community service.