Baltimore Vote Could Play a Big Role in Whether the State Goes Smoke-Free

Publication Date: 2007-02-25

• Author:Lisa Rein
• Publication:The Washington Post

Monday's scheduled City Council vote on a ban on smoking in Baltimore's bars and restaurants could tip the scale for or against a statewide prohibition, a priority for some lawmakers and lobbyists for the nation's leading health associations.

Four Maryland counties, including Prince George's and Montgomery, have enacted bans. But lawmakers representing tobacco farmers and the powerful restaurant association have in past years stalled action at the state level. A House of Delegates committee will take up legislation mandating a statewide ban in early March...

But action by the council could be the tipping point in the statewide debate. If the council approves a ban tomorrow, almost half the state's population will live in communities where they can't light up in restaurants or bars.