State bill would kill local smoking bans

Publication Date: 2005-04-04

• Author:Judith Davidoff and David Callender
• Publication:(Madison, WI) Capital Times

Council eyes resolution opposing it

In a move that could prevent Madison's upcoming smoking ban in taverns from taking effect, a state lawmaker is expected to introduce a proposal regulating smoking in restaurants statewide.

The law would specifically exclude taverns and bars from the smoking ban.

The bill "is designed to provide a level playing field throughout the state when it comes to smoking in bars and restaurants," said Mike Prentiss, an aide to Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, the bill's author.

"We're greatly strengthening the existing prohibition on smoking and dining in restaurants, and we also provide a statewide standard for taverns that allows business owners to control their own business plans," he said.