Senate panel approves state smoking ban

Publication Date: 2007-03-20

• Author:Laura Smitherman
• Publication:Baltimore (MD) Sun

Committee gives OK to bill on a 6-5 vote; measure is expected to pass full Senate

A state Senate panel approved yesterday a statewide ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, a vote that marks the first time such a measure has won approval from a General Assembly committee.

"This is a win for public health," said Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, a Montgomery County Democrat who sponsored the bill.

The Senate Finance Committee voted 6-5 to approve the ban on lighting up in most indoor public places, with the panel's chairman, Sen. Thomas M. Middleton, casting the tie-breaking vote. The measure now moves to the full Senate, where it is expected to pass. A House committee is expected to vote on a ban this week.

"The problem has always been in the committees," said Kari Appler, director of the Smoke Free Maryland Coalition, which is made up of health advocates. "The momentum around the country and here in the state, that certainly has added a lot to this debate."

Gov. Martin O'Malley has pledged to sign a statewide measure if it reaches his desk.