Smoking ban battle set

Publication Date: 2006-08-14

• Author:Jahna Berry
• Publication:Arizona Republic

Views on rival propositions vary for cities, bars

Some Valley city leaders worry that a November ballot proposition that's bankrolled by tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds would snuff out tough smoking ordinances in cities such as Tempe.

If passed, Proposition 206, which is called the Non-Smoker Protection Act, would replace home-grown local ordinances with a statewide rule that would allow some bar and restaurant patrons to light up indoors if seated in a walled and ventilated smoking area, something that's prohibited or severely restricted in communities such as Tempe, Sedona and Prescott.

"It takes power away from the people. The people voted on a smoking ordinance," said Tempe Councilwoman Shana Ellis.

Tempe's city attorney has not yet analyzed how the proposed ballot proposition and a second smoking regulation issue also on the Nov. 12 ballot would affect the city's law.