Legislators push smoking ban for clubs, taverns, restaurants

Publication Date: 2005-02-18

• Author:John Zicconi, Vermont Press Bureau
• Publication:(Barre, VT) Times Argus

A dozen influential Vermont lawmakers Thursday stood shoulder to shoulder with a New York anti-smoking advocate and called on the General Assembly to follow the Empire State and ban smoking in bars and private clubs.

"There is a strong culture in the state that supports smoke-free workplaces," said Sen. Virginia Lyons, D-Chittenden. "Our clean air should be available to all, especially those in places of employment. It is an important right that goes beyond the right to smoke in a public place."

Vermont in 1993 banned smoking in restaurants and other public places, but created a loophole for private clubs and bars that make more than 50 percent of their money from alcohol and entertainment sales.

Polls show 78 percent of Vermonters support banning bar smoking.