Public smoking nears its last gasp

Publication Date: 2008-05-09

• Author:Peter Luke
• Publication:The Grand Rapids Press

Now that the push to ban smoking in Michigan bars, restaurants and other workplaces has cleared a hurdle with Senate passage, the measure could be on its way to Gov. Jennifer Granholm's desk for her signature as early as next week.

In a lopsided 25-12 vote Thursday, the Republican-run Senate approved the smoking ban, which narrowly was given the nod by the House late last year.

Michigan would join nearly three dozen other states banning workplace smoking under the measure.

"Thousands of Michigan residents have their health placed at risk through exposure to secondhand smoke," said Sen. Tom George, R-Kalamazoo, one of two physicians in the Senate. The ban "is consistent with our constitutional duty to protect the health of the citizens of Michigan."...

Rep. Brenda Clack, D-Flint, sponsor of House Bill 4163, expects the House to approve the measure on Tuesday and concur with a Senate expansion of the ban to cigar bars, bingo halls and the gaming floors of non-Indian casinos. Granholm is expected to sign the measure.