SMITHS FALLS -- Supporters of a private smoking club facing charges under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act remained defiant at a grand opening yesterday.

As 20 patrons smoked cigarettes and cigars while being served drinks by contract workers, club spokesman Mike Kennedy said he will continue operating until he's "taken out in handcuffs."

Kennedy, a smoker's choice advocate who failed in a previous bid a few years ago to open in Ottawa, said the club is private because only paying members are allowed inside.

He said the Supreme Court of Canada recently upheld the rights of private swingers clubs in Quebec to allow sexual activity on the premises and questioned why smokers shouldn't have the same freedom to enjoy their pursuits.

Ontario's chief medical officer of health Dr. Sheela Basrur issued a statement yesterday emphasizing that the ban on smoking indoors in public places does not allow any exceptions for private clubs.

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