Statewide smoking ban advances

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 22, 2012 5:55 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The battle over a proposed statewide smoking ban produced a four-hour hearing in the state Senate that concluded with a vote to advance the bill.

The committee voted 8-2 to send the smoking ban to the full Senate in a battle that has gone on in the General Assembly for six years. The opponents of a smoking ban have always won, but
this time it may be different because supporters have the governor on their side. Mitch Daniels will sign a smoking ban if it passes.

Indiana is one of just 11 states without a statewide smoking ban, but it remains an emotional battle.

"We are asking you to pass this law," said Kevin O'Flaherty of Smokefree Indiana, "and in fact your strongest legislative rationale or justification for passing it is to protect workers in this state from the consequences of second-hand smoke."

On the other side of the argument, bar owners said they would go out of business.

"If the smoking law is passed who will enforce it?" asked bar owner Tiffany Blake. "We can remove ash trays and post signs, but we will not be able to stop smoking."

The smoking ban has now advanced further in the process than ever before, but it still faces an uncertain future. Opponents will attempt to add exemptions that will make it unacceptable to supporters.

It already includes exemptions for casinos, private clubs and tobacco shops, along with an 18-month exemption for bars.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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