Vote on statewide smoking ban likely this week

Publication Date: 2007-05-10

• Author:Jeff Hansel
• Publication:Post-Bulletin, MN

The Minnesota Legislature is expected to vote this week on the "freedom to breathe" bill, a piece of legislation that would outlaw smoking in any business statewide.

The bill came out of a conference committee and should come to the floor of both the House and the Senate soon...
The bill would outlaw smoking in bars, restaurants, private clubs and other workplaces starting Aug. 1.

The bill doesn't stop communities from enacting stronger local ordinances and clears the way for counties and cities to crack down on outdoor smoking, or create their own system of regulating bar and restaurant patios.