Lawmakers renew push for smoking ban in bars, restaurants

Publication Date: 2007-01-30

• Author:David Eggert
• Publication:Detroit News

State lawmakers are reviving a push to ban smoking in Michigan's bars, restaurants and workplaces.

Earlier efforts have been snuffed out in the Legislature for nearly seven years. But supporters hope a power shift inside the Capitol and momentum from a U.S. surgeon general's report will add Michigan to the growing list of states with tough anti-smoking laws.

"It's time for the Legislature to take a stand on this life-and-death issue," said state Sen. Tom George, a Republican physician from Kalamazoo County's Texas Township. He's sponsoring the legislation along with Sen. Ray Basham of Taylor and Rep. Brenda Clack of Flint, both Democrats.

Previous bills to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants never got a vote when the Legislature was controlled by Republicans. But now Democrats control the House and the Senate has a new GOP leader.