Panel Approves Statewide Ban On Indoor Smoking

Publication Date: 2008-02-06

• Publication:KCCI.com, IA

A key House panel has approved a measure to ban indoor smoking in businesses and public places.

Supporters of the bill said a ban would protect thousands of Iowans from second-hand smoke.

Critics said the measure would take away the freedom of small business owners to decide how they run their business.

The House Commerce Committee approved the statewide ban 16-6 on Tuesday. It goes to the full House for debate.

The bill, House Study Bill 537, creates smoke-free areas in public places such as workplaces, outdoor sports arenas, stadiums, bars and restaurants, public transit stations and within 50 feet of schoolgrounds. Private residences are not required to be smoke-free.

The measure excludes casinos, and private veteran organizations when their facilities are open only to members.