Public smoking ban heads to Granholm's desk

Publication Date: 2009-12-10

• Author:CHRIS CHRISTOFF
• Publication:Detroit Free Press

The House has sent to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for signing a bill to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and all other workplaces, but allow smoking on the gaming floors of Detroit's three casinos.

However, the casino bars and restaurants would be no-smoking zones.

The landmark vote followed approval in the Senate on a landmark bill that anti-smoking advocates have sought for more than a decade, but which was opposed strenuously by bar and restaurant owners across the state.

The smoking ban would take effect May 1, making Michigan the 38th state with some form of state ban on smoking in public areas.

"We have heard the message from the people of Michigan,"said Rep. Joan Bauer, D-Lansing, who cited numerous polls showing the Michigan public supporting a public smoking ban.