State smoke-free movement has a foothold

Publication Date: 2007-07-09

• Author:MIKE SMITH
• Publication:Examiner

27.3 percent of adults in Indiana smoke - second only to Kentucky as the highest rate in the nation.

Now there are signs that lawmakers might be willing to target smokers in a different way by joining a growing number of states that ban smoking in many public places statewide.

Rep. Eric Turner, R-Gas City, won House approval of a provision last session that would have prohibited smoking in enclosed public places, including restaurants, sports arenas and work places. There were some exemptions, including bars and retail tobacco stores.

No recorded vote by name was taken, but at least 60 House members supported it. There was an immediate realization that the provision would later be removed, however.

Turner also noted Daniels' efforts to promote a healthier Indiana.

"I think it all fits in," he said. "I think it will be one of the leading issues next session."