Smoking ban to ignite state debate

01/25/2007

Rachel E. Stassen-Berger
Pioner Press


Minnesota lawmakers today will introduce a proposal to extend a smoking ban to bars and restaurants statewide.

HOW IT WORKS

Business owners would have to ask customers who light up to leave. Businesses would be barred from providing patrons ashtrays, matches and any other "smoking equipment." Businesses that defy the ban would be guilty of a misdemeanor; smokers who defy the ban would be guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

The ban would go into effect Aug. 1.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE BAN

For traditional American Indian ceremonies and also in homes, private cars, hotels and tobacco shops.

THE PRO-BAN ARGUMENTS

Smoking is bad for your health. It's bad for the health of others in the bars and restaurants, including workers and nonsmoking patrons. A statewide ban is fairer to businesses than is the current patchwork of local regulations.

THE ANTI-BAN ARGUMENTS

Smoking bans hurt businesses, particularly bars, and can hurt charities that raise money through pull-tabs. The state shouldn't intrude into businesses' right to operate as they see fit and smokers' right to smoke.

WHAT'S NEXT?

There will be a hearing on the ban in the House Health and Human Services Committee on Feb. 1.

SEE THE BILL

Go to http://www.senate.mn and search for SF238.

Wisconsin governor wants to ban smoking in public places.