Minnesota smoking ban chokes

Publication Date: 2005-03-03

• Author:SCOTT THISTLE
• Publication:Duluth (MN) News-Tribune

FREEDOM TO BREATHE ACT: A bill banning smoking in restaurants meets its demise in the House Commerce Committee.

Despite pleas from doctors and other health advocates, the Minnesota House Commerce Committee sided with businesses Wednesday, snuffing out a bill that would have banned smoking in restaurants statewide.

The bill's co-authors said they would take time to consider their options for the rest of the 2005 legislative session.

"Today's an emotional day," said the bill's chief author, Rep. Doug Meslow, R-White Bear Lake. "I think the best thing to do is we regroup, we step away, give it a little time and consider our options."