Smoking ban clears first hurdle

Publication Date: 2007-07-25

• Author:Charles Slat
• Publication:Monroenews.com

Some Monroe County restaurants already have voluntarily banned smoking, but a state House committee on Tuesday approved legislation that would outlaw smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

The House Commerce Committee's 12-4 vote is considered a major step by health groups and other members of a coalition who favor the smoking ban. But the proposal has to pass both the full House and Senate before it could be forwarded for Gov. Jennifer Granholm's signature.