Man seeks ban on smoking in eateries

Publication Date: 2005-02-20

• Author:Lesli Bales-Sherrod
• Publication:The Daily Times

Douglas Benton of Alcoa wants Blount County to say ``No S.I.R.'' to smoking in restaurants.

The 51-year-old real estate agent is in the process of forming a local organization to advocate for nonsmokers' rights.

A bill amending preemption was introduced Feb. 2 in both houses of the Tennessee legislature, according to the Americans for Nonsmokers Rights Web site. The Clean Air Act of 2005 would prohibit smoking in enclosed areas of public places, including restaurants.