N.H. bill would ban smoking in restaurants and bars

Publication Date: 2007-02-13

• Author:Norma Love, Associated Press
• Publication:Seacoast Online

But after a two-hour hearing, the committee voted 4-2 to recommend that the full Senate pass the bill. Last year, the same measure passed the House but died on a 12-11 vote in the Senate.

Supporters are optimistic they'll succeed this year with Democrats' takeover of both legislative chambers. Gov. John Lynch said Tuesday he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

More than a dozen states and hundreds of cities and counties around the country ban smoking in restaurants, bars or both. New Hampshire is the only state in New England that does neither.

Sen. David Gottesman, D-Nashua, the measure's prime sponsor, testified Tuesday the state should implement the ban to protect the health of workers and customers.