Protect Local Control

Ensuring Community Rights
To Pass Smokefree Ordinances
 

State Status

No Preemption

News Summary

Legislature unlikely to toughen Ind. smoking ban

Publication Date: 2013-01-19
  • Author:AP
  • Publication:wane.com

An extension of Indiana's statewide smoking ban to include bars is unlikely to happen this year, with legislators saying this week more time is needed to see the effects of the current ban.

The exemption for bars is the largest of the loopholes included last year when lawmakers approved Indiana's first statewide smoking restrictions. The law took effect in July.

The legislators who led the push for six years to pass the statewide ban have filed a bill that would remove the bar exemption, but don't expect action to be taken on it during this year's session.

Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said he wouldn't drop his goal of eventually eliminating all the exemptions from the smoking ban.

"I'm saying keep that subject out there and hopefully we will one day come into the 21st century in Indiana by saying all public places are smoke free," said Brown, who sponsored the bill with Rep. Eric Turner, R-Cicero.

Current state law still gives people plenty of places to light up as it allows smoking in Indiana's 13 casinos, along with bars, retail tobacco shops and private clubs, such as veterans and fraternal organizations.

The law does prohibit smoking in most indoor workplaces, including all restaurants. Many local governments -- including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville -- have tougher bans that include bars...

Copyright 2019 Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights | All Rights ReservedPrivacy Policy