Rep. Nitz votes against smoking ban

Publication Date: 2007-12-07

• Publication:Dowagiac Daily News

State Rep. Neal Nitz Thursday released the following statement regarding his vote against a bill to ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants, bars and fraternal organizations.

"While I certainly appreciate that patrons don't want to inhale second-hand smoke, they can simply avoid places that allow smoking. Government should not be acting as Big Brother and telling people what's best for them...

The victory by health advocates may be short-lived, depending on how the ban fares in the Senate. It cleared the Democratic-controlled House 56-46 - just enough votes to meet the 56-vote threshold for passage.

"Banning smoking in these establishments will drastically reduce the amount of smoke our residents are exposed to and help protect workers," said Rep. Brenda Clack, D-Flint, the bill's main sponsor.