Angry smoker accused of burning 'no smoking' sign

[January 08, 2009]  MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- Medford police said a man set a "No Smoking" sign on fire after being told he could not light up inside a nightclub. The man was charged with reckless burning and disorderly conduct. The Web site for the Jackson County Jail said the 44-year-old remains behind bars on $6,000 bail.

Detective Sgt. Mike Budreau said witnesses told officers that the man tried to smoke inside The Office nightclub early Tuesday, but was told he couldn't because of Oregon's new anti-smoking law.

He became argumentative, then went into the club's bathroom and started to smoke. A bouncer went in to stop him and the man allegedly responded by holding his lighter to the paper sign.

Budreau said the fire destroyed the sign but did little other damage.

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Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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