Smoking Ban Rules Being Hashed Out in Maryland

Publication Date: 2007-04-05

• Publication:WJLA, DC

A statewide smoking ban has already been approved in Maryland, but lawmakers Thursday could begin the nitty-gritty work of figuring out how the ban should work.

The House and Senate have both voted to snuff out smoking in all bars statewide. But minor differences in the bills mean lawmakers will have to work out their differences before the bill can become law.

One of the differences is whether to exempt nonprofit private clubs such as the VFW. Another disagreement is over the "hardship exemption" clause in both bills that would allow bars to still allow smoking if they can prove a ban hurts their businesses. The Senate wants counties to decide who gets waivers, but the House has the decision on the state level.

Both bans would take effect in January. It appears some sort of ban is certain to pass before lawmakers leave town Monday.