Smoking ban advocates cite health issues, public support

Publication Date: 2005-03-16

• Author:PETER HOWELL and CHRISTINE NEFF
• Publication:Easton (MD) Star-Democrat

Kari Appler, executive director of Smoke Free Maryland, said almost 85 percent of Marylanders are non-smoking and even 50 percent of smokers would rather dine in a non-smoking establishment.

Of a proposed statewide ban, Appler said it "should be done because it's a right thing to do." The state regulates restaurants for health and safety in a lot of ways, she said; restaurant workers deserve a safe workplace too.

Lawmakers again reject statewide ban

Two bills introduced in the general assembly would have imposed a statewide ban on smoking in public indoor areas, including restaurants and bars. Public hearings have been held on the bills -- one in the Senate and one in the House.

The Senate Finance Committee killed the statewide smoking ban in a tie vote on March 4.