Bipartisan statewide smoking ban introduced in Legislature

Publication Date: 2009-04-27

• Author:Hannah Furfaro
• Publication:The Daily Cardinal

Despite opposition from the Tavern League of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Legislature introduced a bipartisan bill Friday that would ban smoking in workplaces statewide.

A bipartisan statewide smoke-free workplace bill that aims to ban smoking in workplaces including bars and restaurants was introduced Friday.

The bill was coauthored by state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, state Sen. Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, state Rep. Al Ott, R-Forest Junction, and state Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee.

"We're excited that they've done this and that they going to introduce this legislation," Allison Miller, media advocacy coordinator for the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin, said. "Obviously, our goal is to have a smoke-free Wisconsin as soon as possible."

According to Miller, the bill is very similar to the statewide smoking ban in Gov. Jim Doyle's recent budget proposal. Although the bill has bipartisan support, Miller recognized there is "staunch" opposition from the Tavern League of Wisconsin.