Senate acts to curb Philadelphia smoking ban

Publication Date: 2007-06-26

• Author:Thomas Fitzgerald and Mario F. Cattabiani
• Publication:Philadelphia (PA) Inquirer

The state Senate wrote loopholes into a proposed statewide smoking ban last night and approved language that would strike down Philadelphia's more restrictive rules against lighting up in public places.
All of the action came in a sweeping amendment, which passed, 29-21, after two hours of debate over the balance between public health and individual liberties.

The amendment - which exempts casinos, private clubs, cigar bars and some taverns from the proposed ban - also bars municipalities from enacting any smoking ban tougher than the state's...

The Senate is scheduled to vote on the smoking ban today. The House is expected to do the same with a similar bill that also would override local laws.