Statewide Smoking Ban Stalls

Publication Date: 2011-03-23

• Publication:WAAY-TV

One thing hasn't changed at the Alabama Legislature since it switched from Democratic control to Republican control. That's concern about legislation that would ban smoking in all public places.

Republican Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin of Pelham has been trying to restrict smoking for several years without success. She ran into trouble again Wednesday with a bill in the House Health Committee to ban smoking in all public places.

Some committee members complained her bill is too much government involvement in private business. Others said her bill shouldn't cover private clubs, such as country clubs.

McClurkin got the committee to delay a vote on her bill while she considers changes. She said it appears the new Legislature has as many Republican smokers as Democrats.