Statewide smoking legislation filed in Frankfort

Publication Date: 2014-01-08

• Author:David A. Mann
• Publication:Business First

Kentucky Sen. Julie Denton, R-Louisville, and Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, announced plans to file legislation that restricts smoking in public places statewide.

Louisville already has a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. However, only 34 percent of Kentuckians live in a community with such a ban, according to a news release from Smoke Free Kentucky.

"Smoke-free policies are an easy way to solve a serious public health problem. They are good for business, and they are very popular with Kentucky voters," Westrom said in the release.

"This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue -- it's one that just makes sense for both public health and Kentucky's economy," Denton said in the release. "Support for a smoke-free Kentucky has been building each year and I believe we will finally protect the rights of all Kentuckians to breathe healthy, smoke-free air," she said.

Gov. Steve Beshear said in his State of the Commonwealth address last night that he would "again support comprehensive, statewide smoke-free legislation."...