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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. • Navajo President Ben Shelly says he's concerned about second-hand smoke on the vast reservation and has signed an executive order banning commercial tobacco in public places.
A spokeswoman for Shelly says the order won't go into effect without approval from the tribe's attorney general.
If enforced as written, smoking would be prohibited in public places that include tribal casinos, tribal government work vehicles and hotels. It also wouldn't be allowed within 25 feet of a public building or work place.
The head of the tribe's gaming enterprise says a smoking ban would halt plans for a resort casino near Flagstaff.
Tribal lawmakers approved a smoking ban in 2008, but it was vetoed by then President Joe Shirley Jr.
Shelly says he would pursue similar legislation with the Tribal Council.