Senate panel softens proposed smoking ban

Publication Date: 2008-02-19

• Author:CHRIS GREEN
• Publication:Salina (KS) Journal

A slightly less restrictive statewide ban on indoor public smoking began to emerge Monday in a legislative committee.

On a voice vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee decided to permit smoking in cigar bars, tobacco shops, sections of adult-care homes and at events where cigars are smoked to raise funds for charity.

The additional exceptions would make a statewide ban on smoking inside nearly all public places, including bars, restaurants and casinos, less strict.

However, smoking would still be barred at noncigar bars and restaurants under the state's restrictions, which would first have to be approved by county voters in November to take effect.